Vulnerable personal essay…I imagine after all these years you’ve healed, I hope so. I think the timeline of when each person “checks out” is different and so why there’s a “possible surprise” of when the other moved on.
I think the timeliness of one party finding connection soon after to help ease pain or just enjoy a physical intimacy that could have been missing Can demonstrate the illusion of moving on…but it’s companionship or comfort or for some just sex.
Complicated….painful…such is love.

Thanks for sharing…hope you’re well.