The Postscript: Best wishes

I just learned that my ex-husband has remarried. I learned this as we learn about all important life milestones these days: on Facebook.

There were photos taken in the Caribbean. My ex-husband and his new bride were walking barefoot on the beach. She was carrying her shoes and their feet were wet and probably the most surprising thing to me was how sincerely I wished them well.

It is common practice to offer our best wishes when we are actually wishing nothing of the kind.

“Well!” we might say, in an exasperated tone of voice, “I wish them well!” Or even, “I wish them well with that!” Which ti...