Meaningful from meaningless

One of the greatest attributes humanity possesses is cognitive thought and in particular the ability to learn. It's helped us crawl out of the mud, evolve from Neanderthals to Homo Sapiens, and to create the world we have now - (I'm not sure if it's a good world really, but let's just go with it) - and has enabled us to evaluate and find improvement where required...that's called progress.

Things don't always go to plan where humans are concerned; no matter how we try to influence situations they're subject to failure - to err is human, meaning we're fallible and flawed, and it's from failures where some of the greatest lessons derive and from which the most effective paths forward are laid.

Recently a friend of mine discovered the infidelity of her partner - it was a meaningless encounter (allegedly) and he's begged forgiveness - and it has been a very hurtful and destructive time for my friend. I am friends with both parties which increases the complexity for me however the situation is between them and it's not for me to judge either way, difficult though that may be.

My partner and I went to see her on Friday night and she's gutted, a hollow and empty shell compared to the vibrant fun-loving woman she usually is, however what struck me was her determination not to let this break her completely. She told us she didn't want this thing to define her and the future she has; I thought that was brave and shows ownership - something I'm quite keyed upon personally and which I promote in others.

We chatted about the events, how she found out and feels, and what her thoughts are as far as a way forward and my partner and I came away feeling sad about the situation but also somewhat happy confident that the event has brought her to a point where she has delved deeply within herself, found emotions and feelings, and meaningful thoughts which we feel will work to her advantage moving forward....once anger, despair and such feelings give way to others.

We don't know what she'll do and it's none of our business, we'll support her though and as for her partner, also a very good friend of mine, I'm trying not to judge but to support him too - that's not easy considering the situation, (some of it I'm purposely not divulging here), but he seems to be taking ownership and I respect that.

Life lessons can be small things that help us stay on track, be productive and efficient and assist us to hone and develop our lives more effectively, and they can also be major course-interruptions and corrections. Either way, they're important and the only bad lessons are those we do not take away into the future.

Have you had, or been involved in, a similar situation to the above friends of mine? Have you had course-altering lessons in life? Have you seen but discarded life lessons that have ended up working to your detriment? If you'd like to comment on these, or other, things please do however there's no obligation, the choice always remains yours.