Getting divorced is likely to be one of the most emotional experiences of your life. But that does not mean you will feel bad the entire time. More likely, you will have a mix of emotions, depending on the day and where you are in the divorce process.
Everyone is different, of course, and reacts to divorce in their own way. Still, some of the emotions you are likely to encounter include:
Shock
Even if you know your marriage is in trouble, the moment your spouse tells you they want a divorce — or the moment you realize you want to split up — can come as a huge shock. Your whole life can feel out of control. But if you give yourself a chance to breathe and focus on one day at a time, you can get over this feeling.
Guilt
Even if you understand that ending your marriage is for the best, you might feel like a failure and that you let your family down. Guilt is a natural reaction, but learning to forgive yourself and letting go of any lingering stigma over divorce can help.
Relief
At the same time, you could be relieved that you have taken action to end a troubled relationship. The arguments, infidelity or whatever else made you (or your spouse) decide to file for divorce is now in the past.
Optimism
For many people, divorce is not just the end of something. It’s a beginning. Getting divorced will start a new chapter in your life, one you get to write yourself.
Adjusting to your new life
Counseling and the support of friends and family should help you adapt to post-marriage life. So will a sound and reasonable divorce settlement.
