Thank you, Rachana. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been through PTSD also, and I appreciate your compassionate words. Thankfully, the relationship I write about here ended very long (over a decade) ago; I’m glad to say it’s not a lingering wound.

I had further reasons for staying in that partnership too (not just the “meant to be” idea), but this was a lesson I wanted to share with others because, from my observations, it seems to be something that people don’t hear often enough. Especially people who have heard that “coincidences” are The Surefire Sign that they’ve found the right person.

I agree with you that the universe is always talking. Sometimes, I listen carefully and follow the “signs,” and there truly is life-affirming, transcendental healing and magic in that. However, I learned from that particular relationship to take “the signs” with a grain of salt. And, yes, to prioritize what my heart says now, more than what “the universe” is saying. 💙

Thanks again for your thoughtful comment!