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"It's my ex-wife's birthday today, so I got up early and brought flowers and cards."

If you are single, divorced, heartbroken, or just dealing with a horror ex; Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a flop.

But one viral post about a man’s love for his ex-wife on her birthday has reminded us all that a ‘relationship’ can continue on well after the romance ends.

The post, credited to American dad-of-two Billy Flynn, describes spoiling his ex-wife on her birthday.

“It’s my ex-wife’s birthday today, so I got up early and brought flowers and cards and a gift over for the kids to give her and helped them make her breakfast,” he writes.

“Per usual someone asked me why the hell I still do things for her all the time. This annoys me. So ima break it down for you all.”

Flynn then goes on to explain that his actions weren’t a romantic gesture towards his ex-wife, but to set an example for his two young sons.

“I’m raising two little men,” he says.

“The example I set for how I treat their mom is going to significantly shape how they see and treat women and affect their perception of relationships. I think even more so in my case because we are divorced. So if you aren’t modeling good relationship behavior for your kids, get your shit together. Rise above it and be an example. This is bigger than you.”

Cripes, what a DUDE.

ICYMI: Is parenthood bad for creativity? Post continues after video…

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Mr Flynn, we reckon you might have pipped Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin at the post for ‘classiest divorce’.

It’s a refreshing change from the traditional narrative of divorce being a breakdown of love and respect between people, even when they are parents.

The responses from fellow Facebook users was massive: the post has been shared over 342,000 times, and has 9,600+ comments.

“I hated my ex but when our boys were little they had no idea,” wrote one woman.

“We kept it friendly – as the boys got older they formed their own opinion based on their father’s actions/inactions. They are good men and treat women well and I am proud as hell of them!”

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Divorce does not have to spell unhappiness and fracture for your family. (Image: iStock)
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"Wow. That is really big of you and I mean that in all sincerity," wrote another woman.

"If more divorced people could get along like you and your former spouse, I think we'd have fewer messed up kids!"

The concept of maintaining a peaceful, respectful, and yes - even loving - relationship with his ex-wife is one that clearly has resonated with many people.

Flynn ended his post with a beautiful reminder for all parents:

"Raise good men. Raise strong women. Please. The world needs them, now more than ever."

via GIPHY