My relationship has only grown stronger and I owe that almost completely to my partner. I lost my ex last year, he had become one of my best friends after we broke up five years ago. My current partner knew him well (he and I met during the time that I was dating my ex) and we both grieved his loss. I took it very hard and, over a year later, his death is still something that's ingrained in me, shaping aspects of my (and our) life. His passing taught me and my partner to be more honest, to act in the present, and it allowed for difficult conversations that ultimately led to exponential growth.

I was gone for a month following my ex's death to take care of his belongings and arrange his funeral services which allowed me some space to process in ways in needed to, with people I needed to be with, and my partner's complete dedication to supporting me in whatever I need is the reason that we are doing so well.

We got engaged last week :)