Following that public spectacle, my coworker pulled me into the hallway to confess his true motives for agreeing to this charade. He admitted that he knew I only wanted to use his conventional attractiveness to prove my worth, and he participated solely to teach me that my value does not depend on male validation. I felt incredibly angry that he had used my vulnerability to teach me a lesson, but my frustration faded when my eldest daughter appeared. She had overheard the cruel remarks about my desirability and asked why I had brought a fake boyfriend. I chose to tell her the absolute truth about wanting to feel wanted, and she responded by assuring me that my presence was the only thing she and her sister cared about. That single moment of unconditional love from my child repaired my spirit far more effectively than any grand gesture or public humiliation. When my former husband emerged to question my relationship status again, I simply refused to answer and walked away.
As we walked toward our car to leave the venue, my oldest daughter paused to ask if her dress made her look strange, echoing the very insecurities I had battled for years. Instead of simply praising her appearance, I asked if she liked the dress herself, and when she confirmed she did, I told her that was the only opinion that truly mattered. After helping my sticky younger daughter into her seat, I paused by the driver side door and caught my own reflection in the dark glass. For the first time in years, I did not inspect my waistline or turn sideways to search for imaginary flaws. I no longer cared about the vicious criticisms of my past, and I did not need the approval of my coworker to feel comfortable in my own skin. I simply looked at myself as a complete and worthy person before getting into the car and driving away from a chapter of my life I was finally ready to leave behind.