I swear, Carolyn - we are leading parallel lives! You have described my ex and situation exactly. It's uncanny, how exactly. His boasting - noisiness. My denial.

Now, I, too, seek "the quiet kind" -- sadly certain 'the other woman' in my ex's life will wind up unhappy because no way is my ex changing. He's perfect - how can the rest of us not see this?

No more reaching for ghosts. No more giving love to what isn't true.

Thanks, Carolyn.