Bringing up your divorce for the first time isn’t easy, whether it’s to your parents, friends, or even your boss. However, it’s crucial information that the important people in your life need to hear, so it’s best to come up with a game plan. Read on to learn how to tell people you’re getting a divorce.
Define the Divorce
As you know from movies and TV shows, divorces can be just about anything, from explosive situations fraught with affairs and treachery to quiet, mutually-agreed-upon decisions. Since your divorce is unique to your situation, define it for your family and friends.
If there’s information you want to keep private, you absolutely should, but try to give your loved ones and friends enough of a sense so that they know how best to help you.
Know What You Want
Just as your divorce is unique, so too is the type of support you need. You know yourself best, so figure out what kind of comfort you’re looking for. If you need a little space, tell people. If you need friends to come over and help redecorate, ask for help. Your loved ones know this is a tough time, so they’ll most likely help you in any way you need.
Have a Segue
You aren’t going to want to discuss your divorce for hours with every new person you tell, so go into your conversations prepared with a way out. When you’re done with divorce talk, ask a question that gets you out of there. The best segues usually transition the conversation to the other person, such as “And how are your kids doing?”
Update Important People
There’s a big difference between a separation and divorce, so you should update your loved ones as the situation evolves. You may feel completely differently during the separation period than you do when a court of law officially says that you’re divorced. Be prepared to alter your requests and ask for additional help if the need arises.
Now that you know how to tell people you’re getting a divorce, start preparing your many speeches and remember that your family and friends will help you through this difficult time. You’re not alone.