I thank God because my ex cheated on me. In December 2023, he cheated.

He cheated with the girl he always told me not to worry about. It wrecked me. I was depressed. It makes me afraid; it scares me. That was my most vulnerable moment, when the thought of settling for less than I deserve, the thought of "Okay lang kahit may ibang babae, basta boyfriend ko parin siya " crept into my mind.

I saw my mom crying along with me because she had seen me crying for days, as I was hurting. She prayed for me, and with me. I knew I was deeply hurt, the kind of pain that would make you tremble and beg for it to stop.

Looking back, I realized the pain is starting to fade. The image of him on the pedestal I had placed him on is gone. I am starting to thank God that it happened. I thank Him for cheating on me because if he hadn't, I wouldn't know this kind of love existed. The kind of love where I don't have to beg. I thank God because finally, I am starting to receive the kind of love that I tend to give to others so freely.

My new partner would go grocery shopping and buy ready-to-eat foods and snacks because he knew I don't have time to eat and cook in the morning before class. He would buy me plenty of snacks, knowing I love sharing them with my friends. He would also buy me flowers, because he knew I love them.

So, to everyone out there going through something difficult, find peace in the knowledge that these experiences happen for a reason. The pain? The heartbreak? Something wonderful and unexpected is waiting to happen – something that will make your heart cry in joy. Kaya hang in there!