This was a BEAUTIFUL story about your friend's loss, and healing journey and how it's changed her outlook (and how that, in turn, changed yours).

I've noticed that I was definitely more fixated on the little things when I was with my ex.

Perhaps a byproduct of not being terribly experienced with relationships, perhaps I was attempting to set microboundaries everywhere... perhaps I was just never a good match with him and the little things rubbed me the wrong way. I do notice in my current relationship, I take a more global picture of things, which results in me (and subsequently him) feeling more relaxed. Perhaps one must suffer love and loss to get to that point?

I'm with you on all fronts. Authenticity is paramount. I need meaningful connection. But I don't think I realized just how many of my friendships were surface level or shallow until the pandemic. We shared the deep stuff so I thought that meant...something. But it's okay: clearing out what no longer serves makes room for what does resonate!

Thank you for your meaningful response, Peter.