After 13 years of marriage, Ben and I divorced but remained close friends for the sake of our two children. We co-parented smoothly, and even after Ben started dating a woman named Lisa, we kept things transparent for the kids. Lisa joined us at our eldest’s birthday dinner, and while I wasn’t thrilled, I played nice.

Lisa seemed kind and genuinely wanted to get along. But things took a turn when my daughter handed me a birthday card—from Ben. It was months late, and totally unlike him. Later that night, Lisa texted me unexpectedly. Her question stunned me: “Does Ben ever get better at remembering birthdays?”

I told her gently, “He’s my ex for a reason—you’ll have to figure it out yourself.” Months later, Ben called to say Lisa had left him. She’d grown tired of feeling unimportant, just like I once had. When I ran into her again, she looked sad but determined. “I hoped he’d change,” she admitted. “But I guess some people don’t.”

That moment gave me unexpected closure. Lisa’s disappointment reminded me how far I’d come. I no longer accepted being overlooked. I had my peace, my children, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In the end, it wasn’t about forgotten dates—it was about finally being valued.