Is it too much to say I have always viewed my last relationship as an intellectual exercise, even while I was in it? As before, my biggest force or motivation was curiosity. Curiosity has led me down a few rabbit holes, and fortunately, I came out of it unscarred each time. Except I have grown stronger, tougher, deeper, and most importantly (and hopefully) wiser. In order for me to understand humanity as a whole, I had to venture into unfamiliar territories–places/people where my parent warmed not to go near. The experience enabled me to gain new insights and develop a more authoritative view/voice on certain issues. The price was height; I was traumatized–my body took it harder than my mind, I experienced biological shifts that were involuntary. But numerous environmental changes since have made shredding this old shell incredibly easy, surprising easy. I hope I have dealt deep into each issue and have tied up all (or most) loose ends, so I can put all of this to rest for good. RIP the Past.