I'm not sure what it is about being divorced, but I have somehow become the unofficial marriage and relationship counselor for friends and coworkers. It's like they think I'm Dr. Phil. I hope, at least, they think I'm cuter.

I'm not complaining. I don't mind being the voice of reason for others. I learned a lot during the course of my 14-year relationship with Mr. Ex, and I welcome the opportunity to help others avoid some of the mistakes I made. However, it's a little odd to me that people would seek out relationship advice from someone who is divorced. I would expect those experiencing relationship struggles to seek the advice of people in committed relationships that they admire and want to emulate.

Regardless of why, it seems I have a blatant tattoo on my forehead that says "CONFIDE IN ME." And boy, oh boy, have I been privy to some deep confidences. I have had friends and virtual strangers tell me of their issues with domestic violence, betrayal, dishonesty, lack of trust, etc. Luckily, I was born without the capacity of judging others. For whatever reason, I naturally don't judge others for their choices in life. Maybe that's what makes me a prime confidant. I can still be friends with the abuse victim who chooses to stay in her marriage; I can encourage a colleague experiencing control issues to work through them.

But it's still a challenge. I have never wanted to be a bitter person, and I try really hard not to come across as the type who is a man-hater or views relationships as disposable. As I've said before, I still believe in marriage and I still consider it a sacred institution. Sometimes, though, I wonder if I go too far in the opposite direction. I fear, on occasion, that I lobby for the continuance of a relationship that maybe isn't worth saving. I don't second-guess myself often. I feel like I have good instincts on whether relationships are worth saving. But sometimes, I wonder whether the advice I give just postpones the inevitable.

But then I'm reminded of a piece of advice I received when Mr. Ex and I experienced problems in our first year of marriage: You have the rest of your life to get a divorce, if that is what you choose to do. But there is a limited window of opportunity to save your marriage and get it back on track.

Still sounds like great advice to me.