Thanks again for your encouraging responses. Today was the first day I haven't cried at all in weeks. I think I just needed things to be final so I could really move on. I am feeling really great about things!
Be careful with your next relationship. Picking a problem person to rescue him/her can easily become a habit.
I have been doing so much reflecting on this. My first impulse was to try to find someone right away, but I've read that broken attracts broken, so I've decided to take some time off from dating and just enjoy my life and truly heal. I am having a hard time fitting in all of the things I want to do for me, so I have no idea where I will find the time for dating, which is probably a good thing right now! I've heard different rules of thumb, but I think I'll just take things as they come and trust my gut about when I'm ready.
BTW, please consider keeping your maiden name when you meet your soul mate in future. You are independent. You are who you are. If he insists, then ask him to consider changing his to yours and see how he feels.
Definitely! I was 22 when I got married, so hadn't given it a second thought and just automatically changed my name to his. This always made me sad, as my maiden (and current) last name is so wonderful and I missed it. In fact, about a year ago, I was thinking about changing it back while remaining married. My sister kept her name when she married, and if I ever do marry again (which seems very doubtful at this point!) I am absolutely keeping my name.
I know I'm a broken record, but you guys are the best! Throughout this journey, I have just been overwhelmed by the people who have stepped up to help me (in real life and online.) I am very lucky to have such a great support system, and I do appreciate the contributions that you have made to this thread, and, by extension, to my life. I hadn't even been a regular contributor to the forum (though I did read every day when my job was less demanding) and yet you've shown me such compassion and acceptance. Outstanding!