It’s a big step to tell your spouse that you want to end the marriage. You know you want to, but how do you start that conversation?
First and foremost, stay calm. This is something you want to discuss in a relaxed setting over a cup of coffee, not something you want to yell at your spouse the next time you get angry. Try to have a respectful conversation where you just explain what you want and why. You can’t control how your spouse reacts, but you can control how you present it.
Next, don’t put it off until the last second. If you start thinking about divorce and get to the point that you’re sure it’s coming, have that talk. You don’t want your spouse to feel like he or she got blindsided out of nowhere.
Throughout everything, just be honest. You don’t need to verbally attack your spouse, but you should explain why you are unhappy and why you want the marriage to end. Don’t refuse to explain yourself or make it out to be all their fault if you know it’s not. Just try to have an open conversation about how you feel and where you think life is headed for both of you.
As you do this, make sure you’re aware of the legal steps to take to get divorced. Look into your rights and know how to defend them. Find out what obligations you have. Consider your financial future. The more you know about divorce and how it works, the better it will go as you move forward.