If you have decided you want to end your marriage, you are going to have to tell your spouse. The thought of doing it may be terrifying, which is why you might, like many others, put it off.
While nothing can make this task easy, there are a few things that can potentially make it easier.
Picking your time
Is there a right time? Probably not, but there are plenty of wrong times. For example, waiting until your spouse has already heard it through the grapevine would definitely be a bad idea – it’s disrespectful. Telling them on Christmas day or your child’s birthday would also be a wrong time – as it will taint the date for others for evermore. You’ll also want to avoid any time when they really need to concentrate on something else, such as when they are driving down the freeway or just about to start a final professional exam.
Say it when you are calm
Never blurt it out in the heat of an argument. Firstly, your spouse might not be sure you mean it and still think they can make up with you. Secondly, both of you may end up saying things you regret due to the heightened emotions. Announcing that you want a divorce needs to be a calm conversation, at the very least from your side, as you cannot control your spouse’s reaction.
If you are sure divorce is the healthiest way forward for you, then it’s wise to learn more about how it will work, have the conversation and move on with the next chapter of your life as intentionally as possible. Seeking legal guidance can help you to get started in truly informed ways.