Most married people fear divorce as if it were an unstoppable force of destruction that will upend their lives forever — but it really isn’t.
Divorces happen, and they aren’t always a bad thing. Some of the positive benefits of divorce include:
- Your children may become stronger, happier people. Far from being devastated by divorce, many children thrive when their parents separate because there’s less overall conflict in their lives. In addition, the children of divorced parents often benefit from better quality time with each parent, an enhanced sense of personality responsibility, more adaptability and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a healthy marriage.
- You regain your freedom and your personal identity. When you’re married, you have to make a lot of personal adjustments to your behavior and habits. In an unhappy marriage, one or both spouses may feel constrained and stifled by the other spouse’s expectations. Divorce allows you to find yourself again and pursue your dreams.
- You lose a lot of stress and may be healthier and happier. The stress of a bad marriage can pack on the pounds and damage your self-esteem. Freeing yourself from all of that allows you to focus on personal development — without the emotional and physical drains from your spouse.
- You give yourself (and your spouse) the opportunity for real love. Holding onto a marriage that isn’t working doesn’t benefit anybody in the long run. Freeing yourself also frees your spouse. You deserve the chance to find someone more compatible with which to share your life.
You may ultimately find that divorce is the best thing for your family (including your ex), so don’t be afraid to take the next step.