How do you get through divorce?

How do you get through divorce?

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Discussion

Shadowy_me

Original Poster:

66 posts

54 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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At the moment I’m broken. As per the other threads, everything is my fault but I don’t know how to get through this. I’m moved out of the matrimonial home into my Father’s house who died three months ago. I do not know what to do. My days are empty, I don’t want to be here anymore.

How do you get over this? I can’t see a way out.

sgtBerbatov

2,597 posts

88 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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I live by a mantra of "God doesn't close a door without opening a window". There is nothing bad that can be worse.

There is no manual. The only thing you need to remember is that the most important thing right now is you. Your ex can do what she likes. You've lost your Dad, someone who raised you and did everything he could for you. I don't know what happened between you and the wife, but it's often said you don't know what a woman is really like until you get divorced.

Divorce, I'd imagine, is hard. But ultimately it's the sign of a paper and an exchange of money. A bit like marriage to begin with! However, I lost my Dad when I was 25 and I didn't grieve or work through it properly. It's only now, 7 years on, that I'm getting to grips with it. So believe me when I say this that the most important thing right now is you.

You can't fix the past, and the future won't be much better if you carry that past with you. Put it aside, let the lawyers do what they need to do to command the money they want. Pay it, move on. She might get the house and the money, but she doesn't have the fresh start that you have even if it means a bit of pain in the beginning.

Ring a friend, invite them over for a talk or a drink. A bit like women and divorce, you only find good friends in times of crisis like this. Take all of this as a way to take stock of your life. Who's worth the time and effort in your life, the rest can go to hell. It sounds selfish, but what good are you to other people if you haven't got a grip of your own life.

At the end of the day, you're grieving. You need to go through that process, and that's the most important thing really not the divorce. If she was worth the heartache and anguish she'd offer support to you as your Dad's passed away. It's not even a thing to do out of love, it's common courtesy. And if that isn't happening then she's not worth having her live in your head rent free.

bristolracer

5,629 posts

156 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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Been there done that......

Keeping this brief as every divorce is different but:

Stay off the alcohol and drugs, you will be depressed, they wont help
Try and eat sensibly, you wont have much interest in food, it wont taste of much as your not interested. So try and make it healthy, help your body by giving it nutrition
Sleep when you can

Now the thing to remember is you will get through this. Life will get better it just takes time, it may take a year maybe two, but it will get better.
There will come a time when you look back and see that the divorce was a good thing that got you away from a toxic relationship.

Chin up,trust me, it does get better, you will get through this, time will heal.

Douglas Quaid

2,438 posts

92 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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One day you’ll undress a new woman and see what she looks like naked. That will feel great. It might be some way off but you’ll do it. You will have pleasure again.

Flipatron

2,089 posts

205 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
bristolracer said:
Been there done that......

Keeping this brief as every divorce is different but:

Stay off the alcohol and drugs, you will be depressed, they wont help
Try and eat sensibly, you wont have much interest in food, it wont taste of much as your not interested. So try and make it healthy, help your body by giving it nutrition
Sleep when you can

Now the thing to remember is you will get through this. Life will get better it just takes time, it may take a year maybe two, but it will get better.
There will come a time when you look back and see that the divorce was a good thing that got you away from a toxic relationship.

Chin up,trust me, it does get better, you will get through this, time will heal.
This, also: -

Don't make any big financial decisions atm, your mind isn't in the right place.
Do something other than dwell on what's happening, distract yourself.
Exercise
If the ex is reasonable then fine, if toxic avoid as much contact/communication as possible.

And one piece of advice I was given on here some five years ago when I went through similar, when the time is right buy somewhere you can call home and fill it with the things you love.

grumbledoak

31,845 posts

240 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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One day at a time.

Keep on top of the basics. Don't do anything drastic. The pain fades.

V1nce Fox

5,508 posts

75 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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Thank you for finding strength enough to post this. That's a green shoot of recovery and self preservation. Recognise this and nurture it.

Quite a few on here have been through this and YMMV based on specifics (finances, ownership of house, dependents, etc) but one constant is when you travel through this you'll find help in unexpected places; take it. It's the universe repaying you for deciding to survive and you can mitigate accepting it by paying it forward to others later if they have the same battle. Often those who help you now are repaying when they were helped. Let them.

It's said the best revenge is living well. I'd repackage that and say the best revenge is not to use or even consider any action with the word revenge, in even the smallest way. Your repair and regrowth must have a decent and pure centre to it or it will become unbalanced. Right now if you can't find any other reason, know this: many more people than you realise would be caused far more pain than you could possibly imagine if you were no longer here. I guarantee that without even knowing you.

Finally, remember your triangle of health; eat, sleep (this one will be the most elusive possibly) and exercise. The last one can be as simple as standing outside and prompting your senses for now. There's tremendous value in it.

I genuinely wish you well and would ask for strength but you'll already have that. Focus on what's real and don't let yourself be poisoned. A stronger you with a more free, autonomous life is there for your taking.

Edited by V1nce Fox on Saturday 27th June 12:48

PushedDover

6,065 posts

60 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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I was telling someone just yesterday of a scar on my foot.

When I moved out, I was trying to keep a semblance of normality with work etc. I was ironing my workshirts on a table top ironing board on the floor of a dank bedsit. (table had all bags and a laptop etc. on.
I wondered what the fk was I doing. My 911 was outside, I owned nearly outright a nice detached house. Holidayed and all that. Looking to jeopardise friends and relations, networks.
And there I was burning my foot on the fking iron whilst I tried to get to work.

But- I knew I was not happy and vowed to remember it as a low point that would be utterly worth it.

6 years later. My daughter is hanging out upstairs laughing, watching tv with my GF. We have a lovely house we live in and a new community. Happy.

For clarity the GF only came along 2.5 years ago.



Make a note of the mental place you are in now. It will get better. And mark every day from 'that place' as a success.

Leicester Loyal

4,667 posts

129 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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If you're ever feeling low you can speak to Samaritans on 116 123. It might be easier speaking over the phone in person to someone who doesn't know you. Stay strong.

Shadowy_me

Original Poster:

66 posts

54 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
Thank you for all the advice. I don’t really have any friends and it’s difficult to process all of this. I’m old (51) and can’t see this getting any better. I’m sure it will based on what you all said. What I really want is to get back to my wife and family. It doesn’t really make sense to continue without that.

Money will be okay — she wants 75% (basically everything) and I get to keep my Fathers inherited house and she wants some maintenance per month. My children are at Uni and we will support them.

Don’t really know where I’m going with this. I’m just down, lonely, depressed and always found here a good place for practical advice (on my “real” username) and wanted some human contact.

V1nce Fox

5,508 posts

75 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
We're here all week. Try the veal.

Also, I can see the arse of 51 from where I am. There's always time and it'll pass whether you use it well or badly.

Collectingbrass

2,393 posts

202 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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I was in a similar position 17 years ago, seperated almost out of nowhere, blaming myself when it was a good 50-50 in reality and not knowing whether I could carry on. I actually got to the stage where I had the motive, a plan and the means to take my own life. Fortunately I didn't and called for help instead.

Gettign through divorce takes time. Time really is a healer, although you've got to be ready to let it do its work. I had to process everything that got me to that point, to face up to and deal with the things that were mine to own and to process those that weren't. Antidepressents from the GP helped initially, and you should see yours as soon as possible, but they are only a crutch to help you cope while the initial storm passes. Longer term it's counselling, counselling and counselling. I can say with my hand on my heart that it works. I have black days still, but they pass and I know that they will. Overall though, I've survived and 95 days out of a 100 I'm thriving.

You've got a lot going on, a phone call to the Samaritans wouldnt be a bad idea. It _really_ helped me and I am forever grateful to that voice at the other end of the phone.

the_stoat

509 posts

218 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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Every day it will get that little bit easier, it is hard but as above things happen for a reason. In my case once sorting myself out and decided settling for anyone was not an option. Luckily I migrated from Mondeo type lady to a magnificent Maserati.

Shadowy_me

Original Poster:

66 posts

54 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
Thank you. My wife is a Ferrari physically and I will miss that. I do however just want to be happy.

Life is bleak, we are still talking but most of the time it is blame on me (which I deserve) and I very passively take it. Some communication is better than none and I crave for the phone to ring or that text from her.

RS93

196 posts

55 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
Shadowy_me said:
Thank you. My wife is a Ferrari physically and I will miss that. I do however just want to be happy.

Life is bleak, we are still talking but most of the time it is blame on me (which I deserve) and I very passively take it. Some communication is better than none and I crave for the phone to ring or that text from her.
You mention you deserve the blame - I don’t mean to pry but would you care to share why you feel this is the case ? If it’s something you have generally done / made a mistake then is the possibility of a future with her definitely not on the cards ?

Glade

4,318 posts

230 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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As a divorcee myself, I can only advise that it'll be OK and time is a great healer.

One day you'll realise you haven't thought about the whole thing for a few years and marvel at the new stuff you're doing.

elise2000

1,555 posts

226 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
One day at a time and try not to let it consume you. However difficult it is, and whatever rubbish is thrown at you, you’ll get through it. One day all will be well again.

elanfan

5,527 posts

234 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
OP there is a wealth of great people on here many of whom would offer a friendly ear to bend over a socially distanced can of something. What part of the country are you in?

One thing you shouldn’t allow to happen is for her to keep you dangling hoping for a reconciliation that’s just selfish and cruel. If she’s clear that it’s over accept it and start your grieving for the end of the relationship. From there you can try to start moving forward.

There WILL be a future and there will be a future partner. Start exercising and getting out regularly.

anonymous-user

61 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
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Not divorced but lost everything a year ago, fill with your life with as much exercise and good company as possible.

Chin up and stay off the booze smile

Munter

31,326 posts

248 months

Saturday 27th June 2020
quotequote all
My suggestions.

Relax. None of this is going to be fast. You don't need to make more big decisions right away.

Get yourself a project, something to do of an evening time. Take some time to grow into whoever you want to be.

Routine. Plan your week, including cleaning and looking after where you're living. Get up the same time every day, go to bed at the same time.

Don't panic, it's a beginning, not an end.