‘I Should Be Over This Breakup by Now’

Stop imposing deadlines on this sadness and be where you are.

Lake George, Autumn 1922 by Georgia O’Keeffe

Dear Polly,

I recently separated from my partner of three years. He initiated it. In a year of what felt like endless engagements, pregnancies, and divorces announced over social media, my relationship went gentle into that good night. I surprised myself by how soon I realized it was right for him to end things…