Don’t expect divorce to be easy, even if you’re the one asking for the divorce and you want it to happen. It can still be tough. It’s still emotional.
As you move forward, it’s important to know how to work through all of these emotions of a divorce. Below are a few tips that may help:
- Don’t think you have to do it by yourself. You still have friends and other family members, even as your marriage breaks up. Don’t be afraid to talk to them or think you have to hide how you feel.
- Focus on the future. Try not to get so wrapped up in what’s happening now or the past that you’re losing. That can lead to depression. Instead, think about what you want to do after the divorce and the type of future you want to work to create for yourself.
- Make new friends. It can be hard to feel like your life has stagnated after a split. Reach out and try new activities and make new friends. Do some things you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for before.
- Don’t worry about what other people think. Some may not be happy that you got divorced. You may feel that they’re judging you. Don’t worry about it. This is your life, not theirs. You can’t please everyone all of the time. Focus on your own happiness, and, if you have them, focus on your kids.
Of course, the emotional side of divorce is only one side that can be complex and difficult. Making sure you also know understand and feel confident about the legal side of a divorce, from local alimony laws to child custody rights, will also help to ease the process.
Source: Help Guide, “Dealing with a Breakup or Divorce,” accessed Dec. 01, 2017