My Relationship Status is not Divorced!

Jen McMorrow
The Shortform
Published in
Jul 28, 2022
A woman facing away from the camera holding her arms out with a bouquet
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Recently in therapy, I mentioned hating the “relationship status” checkbox on forms, because I kept selecting divorced. Was my ex destined to follow me in this paperwork world forever? How is being divorced relevant to the life I’ve built since I last saw my ex?

I can imagine situations the divorce might be relevant— mostly situations involving children come to mind — but for myself, nothing about my day-to-day life is tied to my former marriage. When I brought up being irked by checking the divorced box, feeling like it tied me back to a time in my life I would just as soon forget, my therapist asked whether it was really necessary to disclose.

So yes, now on all your little forms to those who may inquire…my relationship status is (and shall remain) SINGLE.

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Jen McMorrow
The Shortform

Freelance writer based in Raleigh, NC. I write on my healing journey and related topics such as love, dating and relationships, wellness, and mental health.