You're getting ready for a long awaited couples-only dinner party with your spouse. As you put the finishing touches on your outfit and reach for your keys, they stand in the doorway with the look on their face, one that signals trouble in paradise.
Caught off guard, you briefly pause and ask, "Honey, is everything okay?"
They shift their gait, loudly gulping for air. "I don't think I'm going to make it to this party, hon."
Brows furrowing in annoyance, you're not interested in any silly games right now, especially seeing as you're both dressed and ready to walk out the door. "It's too late for that. Stop playing and get in the car."
"No. I can't do this," they continue cautiously, avoiding eye contact. "I... I want a divorce."
Your breath draws sharply. You expected any other reason from them not to go, perhaps to watch the game, or simply because they don't feel like dinner. Yet, deep down you know better.
Deep down, you anticipated this; the day where either you or your cheating spouse would put an end to unhappy, miserable marriage and file for divorce. Still, you can't help but feel shocked by the revelation. Truthfully speaking, this isn't an abnormal reaction. Nobody can truly prepare themselves to acknowledge that their "relationship failed," no matter how long they've been unhappy or what caused the split.
After you pick up your face from off the floor, it's time to inform your friends of the news. While the last thing you want to do is continuously relive the experience, you do not need to be alone right now. Handling this yourself is not the best option, especially for the first 24 hours or so. Besides, informing your best buds keeps you grounded in several distinct ways.
You Can No Longer Hide from the Truth
Once you announce your pending divorce, you cannot take it back. You're forced to live with and come to terms with the truth much quicker than if you chose to hide and deny that your marriage is over. Although it seems much more comfortable and safe to check out of life until further notice, you'll only delay the recovery process.
Verbalizing your pain and discussing what happened begins the emotional purging process. The crying fits and wails are painfully dreadful to deal with, but now the truth has been let out and acknowledging the truth helps you remove any denials about what's happening.
Lastly, you'll be reminded that you're not unloved. Your soon-to-be ex-husband or ex-wife may not want to remain married to you (or save the marriage, if you're the one who requested it), but other people still enjoy your company and their relationship with you. You might be joining the Divorce Society, but you're not completely alone in your journey.