avatarJulie Gaeta
# Summary

The author reflects on personal growth and high standards post-divorce, inspired by the idealized partnership in "Little House on the Prairie," and questions the absence of such committed relationships in modern times.

# Abstract

After experiencing divorce, the author has come to recognize the importance of maintaining high standards and ideals in a relationship. Drawing inspiration from the television show "Little House on the Prairie," the author admires the portrayal of Pa's unwavering support and love for Ma and their children. This has set a benchmark for the type of partnership the author aspires to have, where mutual respect, protection, and unconditional love are central. The author is determined not to settle for less and is perplexed by the scarcity of such committed and morally grounded relationships today, as echoed in Paula Cole's song "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?"

# Opinions

- The author has learned from their divorce what they will not tolerate in a relationship.
- "Little House on the Prairie" set unrealistically high expectations for the author regarding partner behavior and family dynamics.
- The author believes in the importance of not settling in relationships and maintaining high personal standards.
- There is a sense of nostalgia and longing for the kind of devoted partnership and moral clarity depicted in the show.
- The author identifies with the sentiment expressed in Paula Cole's song, questioning the apparent lack of committed partners in contemporary society.
Photo by Nadine Rupprecht on Unsplash

Now that I’m embracing being single, there’s so much to contemplate. My standards and ideals seem at an all-time high. Divorce has taught me what I won’t tolerate.

I get it’s a two-way street — but I won’t ever settle.

Do you remember the show Little House on the Prairie?

Honestly, maybe Pa set my expectations too high.

Really.

Ma and the kids were his everything. He protected and stood up for them — no matter what.

Every day after school, Laura and Nellie taught me right from wrong. I absorbed their timeless lessons — they made perfect sense to me.

Ma always took care of everyone.

Pa was her constant, supporting and loving her unconditionally.

Call me crazy, but I assumed my man would have been the same.

Instead, I’m asking the same question as Paula Cole — Where have all the cowboys gone?

Divorce
Life Lessons
Relationships
It Happened To Me
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