Guide: Sharing Your Decision With Your Spouse
Many people struggle at the very thought of sitting down with their spouse and breaking the news that a decision to divorce has already been made. This is one of the most difficult conversations you’ll ever have, but setting the stage properly is crucial for ensuring that both partners feel safe, respected, and heard.
When telling your spouse about your decision to divorce, there are many variables at play: your relationship dynamics, communication patterns, safety considerations, and the emotional state of both partners. Each of these factors can influence how the conversation unfolds. By carefully considering these elements and preparing thoughtfully, you can approach this conversation in a way that maintains dignity and sets a constructive tone for the challenging process ahead.
Please enter your email and we will send you the guide:
Inside, you’ll find practical strategies for having this difficult conversation with care and intention, including:
- How to choose the right time, place, and setting for this conversation
- Ways to prepare yourself emotionally before you begin
- How to communicate your intentions clearly using “I” statements
- Strategies for inviting participation and listening actively
- How to be prepared for mixed reactions—from sadness to anger to relief
- Ground rules for respectful communication
- Different venue options—from in-person conversations to involving a therapist to considering safety concerns
- Conversation starters to help you find the words to begin
- Statements for de-escalation when emotions run high
Remember: how you deliver this news shapes everything that follows. While emotions will run high, approaching this conversation with calm intention and compassion helps create the foundation for a more respectful divorce process.