I have a policy of always recognizing some way that I have grown or learned from a relationship when it ends. In what positive way have you improved as a result of your last significant other?

My wife and I split up last September. It's been very rough, but I am at the point now where I can look back on it and see the positives. She's a chef. A fantastic artist with food and pastry. I used to think I could cook. I could make spaghetti, or the stuffing to help out on Thanksgiving, etc. But no, I realized I had no skill at cooking when we got together. But she made me want to learn how.

I now, living alone, don't settle for easy food that tastes ok and fills me up. I experiment. And whereas cooking for just myself used to make me feel dreadful and alone, now it is an interesting hobby. When I make something that doesn't come out right, I don't quit on it. I try to figure out how to improve it next time. I pick up new flavors of herbs and spices at the store (and I am not shy about asking what they're best used for, my ignorance about cooking is going away as a result.)

So what's yours?

Bonus internet points: If you're still on speaking terms, take a moment to thank you ex for what they helped you improve or learn.

tl;dr My wife got me interested in making nifty foods rather than just eating to not be hungry.