"I don’t dislike any of my exes If I took time to form a relationship, it’s gonna hurt when we move on, but are you puttin’ White-Out over all that beautiful time together? That was real time in your life. It’s connected to where you are today"

Here’s the thing about relationships: they shape us. The core idea behind this quote is pretty simple – just because a relationship ends, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t valuable or worthwhile. Every connection we form leaves a mark on our lives, and those experiences, good or bad, contribute to who we are now.

The speaker is reflecting on the idea that moving on from an ex doesn’t mean you need to erase the past. Imagine looking at your life as a book. Would you want to tear out entire chapters, or would you prefer to acknowledge them as part of the story? Even the relationships that didn’t work out have their place. They offer lessons, growth, and memories that shape our present.

Think back to your high school days. Let’s say you had a significant relationship that ended before graduation. At the time, it felt like the end of the world. But as the years go by, you realize that relationship taught you so much about yourself – what you want, what you don’t, how to communicate, how to be vulnerable. Now, years later, you’re in a healthy, thriving relationship, and it’s partly because of the experiences you had back then. That’s the practical application of this idea.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, acknowledge your past relationships for what they were – important lessons and experiences. Don’t try to erase them or pretend they never happened. Instead, reflect on what you learned and how you’ve grown. If you’re finding it hard to move on, maybe write a letter (that you’ll never send) to your ex, thanking them for the good times and the lessons. It’s a way to make peace with the past.

Here’s a scenario. Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop (yeah, let’s go literal here) with a friend who’s just gone through a breakup. They’re angry, hurt, and saying things like, “I wish I’d never met them!” You, being the wise friend, remind them about the quote. You say, “Think about the good times you shared. Those memories are part of your life’s tapestry. You wouldn’t be who you are today without those experiences.” Your friend looks at you, tears in their eyes, and you see the understanding dawn – it’s okay to feel sad, but it’s also okay to appreciate the past for what it was.

In essence, when you’re going through the pain of a breakup, remember that every relationship teaches us something. It’s all part of the journey. By accepting this, you can move forward with a fuller heart and a clearer understanding of yourself. So next time you’re tempted to reach for that metaphorical White-Out, remember that every stroke of your life’s brush adds to the masterpiece of who you are today.