This topic is about navigating the world of dating after a divorce, especially when the breakup was influenced by the presence of a stoma. The original poster shared that his marriage ended because his wife couldn't handle his stoma, which she felt took away her position as the center of attention.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Remember that your stoma does not define who you are. If your partner left because of it, it reflects their insecurities, not your value as a person.

2. Allow yourself time to grieve the end of the relationship and to come to terms with your body. Building self-esteem and maintaining a positive outlook are crucial.

3. Keep in mind the saying, "When one door closes, another opens." You are still young and have the opportunity to meet new partners. Many people, whether they have an ostomy or not, will accept you for who you are.

4. Consider spending some time alone to rediscover yourself. One suggestion is to listen to John Prine’s song “Everything is Cool” for inspiration.

5. Some people believe that your ex leaving might be a blessing in disguise. It's better to be without someone who can't handle the "for better or worse" part of a relationship.

6. In future relationships, try to manage your stoma independently while also educating your partner about it. Balancing stoma management with relationship maintenance can help prevent resentment.

7. A stoma should not be a barrier to dating, whether you're looking for something casual or long-term. Confidence can make it a non-issue for most potential partners.