“We have a natural tendency to assume that a remarkable chemistry between two souls is confirmation that they are meant to be together. In the heat of profound feelings, it seems counter-intuitive to imagine ourselves separate from our beloved. But chemistry and longevity are not necessarily bedfellows. Just because we feel earth-shatteringly alive with someone doesn’t mean they are supposed to be our life partner. They may have come for a very different reason- to awaken us, to expand us, to shatter us so wide open that we can never close again. Perhaps they were sent from afar to polish the rough diamond of our soul before vanishing into eternity. Better we surrender our expectations when the beloved comes. (S)he may just be dropping in for a visit. Is the kettle on?”
~from ‘An Uncommon Bond’, by Jeff Brown
Poly Nirvana 
I have been in a multitude of monogamous relationships including one marriage. I entered them believing they were supposed to be forever, was always “faithful”, and was always guilt ridden when they ended. But when they ended, they usually ended with compassion and love. This quote is a sentiment that I began to embrace when I realized my marriage was not going to last in the way we are lead to believe marriage relationships should (one partner until death do us part, one partner to be all things to each other). When I accepted that we come into and out of peoples lives sometimes for temporary, yet valuable reasons, I was able to better love the person and let go of the shame of feeling like a failure. Rather, I embraced the success of the fleeting time spent together enriching each other’s lives.
Thank you for posting this 🙂