“Im a 64-year-old woman and have been divorced 14 years.

I love living alone and dont want any relationships either.

I dont care to be either.”

Top of a wedding cake featuring bride and groom figurines standing on separate slices, symbolizing separation. Sky backdrop with clouds

So recently, weaskedtheBuzzFeed Communityabout their experiences going through a gray divorce.

Here are some of their stories (as well as some from users onReddit):

1.

No conversation between the two of us, no ‘let’s go do something.’

An elderly man and woman sit at a table holding cups of tea, looking contemplative. A teapot is on the table between them

And that was how it was going to continue to be.

We tried counseling, but I honestly believe it was too late even for that.

58, Canada

2.

An older woman with curly gray hair dances joyfully. She is wearing a light-colored suit with a white blouse and large earrings

All of them had been married for over 20 years, with kids and with many ups and downs.

As someone who knew them before and after their divorces, they all seem much happier.

Its been hard FOR SURE, but they knew it was for the best."

A smiling elderly woman serves a roast chicken to a joyful family of six seated around a festive dining table

thisissterling

3.

“Im a 64-year-old woman and have been divorced for 14 years.

I love living alone and dont want any relationships either.

A woman and a man sit back-to-back, the woman looking down with a thoughtful expression and gently holding her own shoulder

I dont care to be either.”

u/levraM-niatpaC

4.

“My parents are both in their 60s and just divorced after 32 years of mostly happy marriage.

An older woman with gray hair leans against a car door looking out into the distance. An older man stands nearby also gazing into the distance

steffimac25

5.

“B and I divorced after 35 years.

We marked the moment with a divorce ceremony.

Bride and groom figurines stand back to back, each next to a split house representing divorce or separation

Solo after 60 is awesome.”

shinytraveler364

6.

“Divorced after 25 years and three kids.

A man with curly hair smiles while standing on a beach with the ocean and horizon in the background. The sky is clear and partly cloudy

He behaved like a fourth child and I was exhausted.

I have a great relationship with our kids and they also maintain a relationship with him.

10/10 would do it again.”

Two women smile and clink glasses at an outdoor café table, enjoying drinks and sharing a joyful moment

u/newwriter365

7.

All single women my age are loving life.

We do what we want when we want.

Im so tired of cooking and cleaning for a man who totally just expects it.

u/lotusblossom60

8.

“Life has gotten better.

38 years married and four years separated.

Lonely, but still way, way better.

Chaos is gone.”

u/b2change

9.

63, Washington D.C.

10.

“My life is so much fucking better.

Except I’ve missed being around my kids 24/7 for the last couple of years.”

u/the_spinetingler

11.

I went on to have another long-term relationship that was much better than my marriage.

That ended on good terms and also led to a lot of healing following the bad marriage.

Staying married ‘for the kids’ is so counterproductive.

u/mmarkmc

12.

“My ex-husband of 20 years was having an affair with a co-worker.

My life has changed for the better.

I did not realize what a narcissist he was.”

50-ish, California

13.

“My ex-wife called it after 35 years together.

We both had our issues but for the most part, functioned okay.'

That was almost two years ago.

u/dnbndnb

14.

I live a peaceful and fulfilling life now.”

u/Delightful_day53

15.

“After 42 years, enough was enough.

u/MamaMontana

16.

“Life got so much better!

We were together for 31 years and I am grateful daily that he is gone!

Life is peaceful and joyful and anyone I invite in has to make my life better, not worse.

u/No-Map6818

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.