friends don't understand why i divorced / want to be single

Albeit some struggles with addiction and depression, my ex was an empathetic sweetie. Always said I was beautiful, smart. My friends and parents loved us, loved him. However, something inside of me shifted after 9 years together. The value from the relationship wasn't worth all the work we were putting into it. I am happy being single, rediscovering my true self.

However, when anyone asks "what happened," I feel like my rationale is not sufficient for them. They want to hear that he cheated on me or was violent. I think deep down they are confused why a 40 year old woman would ditch "a decent man." The people that have the hardest time with me "wanting" to be single ARE the single ones. So many of them have "been in the trenches" trying to find "a decent man."

I was at a wedding last week and everyone cheered at the couple who had been together 55 years. Our society values commitment, sacrifice, marriage. It feels so antiquated. If you're not happy with a relationship, don't "stick it out" just because you signed a piece of paper! Right y'all??

->> I have so much more time in my day, not listening to his work rants. Not having to take care of his cat. Not having to watch adventure movies. Not having to load the dishwasher just how he likes it. Not having to explain to my friends why he is the only husband absent. I am in charge of my schedule, my travel. <<- Is that not rationale enough??