re: Divorce is brutal.

It totally sucks, especially if you add kids into the mix. And it definitely brings out the worst in people. It will seem to get worse before it gets better. The best thing you can do is try to hang in there and educate yourself on the process so you don’t get taken for a ride. And for the love of God, don’t date. It gives you a false sense of “moving on” and “being ok.” But usually just ends in a shite show that makes you feel even worse than you did before. (Speaking from experience) Keep your kids out of it as much as you can—no matter how old they are. Don’t bring new “friends” around, either. The kids don’t understand and already may feel like they have to choose sides depending on their age. Don’t bad mouth your ex or text threats/crazy shite—which is quite possibly the hardest part—but she will likely be looking for anything to use against you when you go to mediation/court. Don’t agree to anything without advising your lawyer, especially through text—and be prepared for things to get ugly at some point. Even the seemingly small things could be used against you. Divorce is petty, usually gets ugly, and no one really wins in the end, but it is possible to survive and thrive once it’s over and you take appropriate measures to heal yourself. There’s no time limit, but now that it’s all over, I look at my divorce as a blessing and an opportunity to start over and learn from past mistakes. Find some good books on the topic and stay strong for your kids, even if it feels like you can’t. My little girl is the only reason I kept breathing some days. You can do this, I promise.