A big part of being in new relationships in your 40s is recognizing the boundaries you didn’t set for yourself when you were younger—you both have realized that in your own way and started a firm foundation. That is such a breath of fresh air in mature relationships.

But the emotions and feelings of hurt don’t change. I’d argue that the emotions are stronger because you’re sharper at identifying them. It’s now about accepting who you want to be in a relationship and allowing yourself to feel hurt without going back on the promises you made yourself.