I didn't make the same mistake twice, found an amazing and level headed partner for the rest of my life.
The ex I spent 11 years of ongoing trauma with but the love of my life has been beside me every step of the way, through thick and thin for almost 25 years now and I hope that she outlives me because I won't last long if she goes first, why would I want to continue without her?

@SnowyOwl you are a fortunate man.

@SnowyOwl I hope that she has given you permission to die first but IMO it is a bit selfish of you not to give her permission to die first. Some women find the loneliness of a solitary life intolerable.
Apparently my sil talked to my brother's ashes for at least ten years after he was killed. IMO that's big time dependency & lack of freedom.

@FrayedBear We are both doing what we can to stay alive and healthy, chance plays a roll in all lives so only time will tell.

@SnowyOwl Aren't we all and probably will never know if C19, hit & run motorist, stroke or pissed off psychotic killed each other when the replies & messages stop coming.

@FrayedBear Only the religious live forever and only in their insane dreams.

I grew up the same way, Hank Williams was always on the HiFi when I was a kid.