Public Displays of Disaffection

Manhattan Pier, Wednesday, early afternoon. Crowd of people milling about so it was very public. Perfect. No weird moments; no awkward hugs.

My ex brought the last of my stuff to me all the way from Oregon. He didn't recognize me when he drove up and he kept staring at me when we were talking. I look much better without him! He loaded my car with my paintings and my dog's belongings. I held her so I wouldn't have to help. I hadn't seen her in three months and she looked and felt great. I was more interested in her than him. He was more interested in me than anything else.

Hilariously, a cute guy walked up to us, the dog and I, and chatted me up in front of him. Seriously, I couldn't have planned it if I tried. It was pricesless.

Once he got everything loaded into my car, I asked if he wanted to get lunch or take a walk on the pier. He didn't. He started to cry - sob, actually - and as he tried to speak, he just walked away. I got into the car and drove away, leaving him to console himself in his car.

He will likely never see me or our dog again. It is very sad. I am sad for him -- but not that sad. He is the one who wanted this after all . . . isn't he?

So, how have you broken up with your ex? What's that last meeting like? How do you get the rest of your stuff back? Oh, those darned loose ends!