Many couples feel conflicted about ending their marriage because they fear the unknown. Will they be happier after the divorce, or should they work harder to stay married?
Divorce itself is not a magic ticket to happiness. The issues that plagued you during your marriage may follow you throughout your life if you don’t seek professional guidance and support.
One study from the University of Chicago found that unhappily married adults who divorced were no happier than those who stayed married. Divorce didn’t reduce depression, anxiety, or a sense of overall well-being in most couples. However, of those who remarried, 81% were happier in their next marriage.
The one exception is anyone in an abusive or toxic marriage. For spouses who divorced to escape abuse, addiction, or infidelity, divorce was the best outcome and led to more happiness.
Are Men or Women Happier After Divorce?
A new study by Kingston University in the UK found that, in general, women are happier than men after divorce. This is because many women have support systems of friends and family members that they can turn to after a divorce. If they don’t, women are more likely to seek out positive support from therapists and counselors. They’re also less likely to cope with their divorce by turning to alcohol or drugs.
If you’re a man going through a divorce, this does not mean that you won’t be happier after your divorce. All couples can find happiness after divorce if they work towards finding a positive outlet for their emotions and building a strong network of family and friends.
Increase Your Chances of Happiness After Divorce
Divorce alone will not make you happy. However, there are things you can do to increase your chances of being happier after your marriage ends.
- Gather a support system. After your divorce, you must surround yourself with positive influences, including friends, coworkers, and family members.
- Compromise with your ex to avoid conflict as much as possible. Sometimes, it’s best to walk away from conflict to protect your mental health. Seek to compromise with your ex and go into discussions with an open mind.
- Work through the end of your marriage with a family therapist. Learn the lessons you need to learn so that you won’t make the same mistakes again.
- Let go of your anger and forgive your ex for their actions. Your marriage wasn’t perfect, and they may have hurt you. However, holding on to anger and negative emotions will only hurt your chances of happiness in the future.
- Take accountability for your part in the marriage ending. It takes two partners to make a successful marriage. Take accountability for how you may have contributed to the end of your marriage so that you can move forward in your future.
- Pursue your own interests and hobbies fiercely. Did you always want to scuba dive? Now’s the time to get certified! This enables you to grow as an individual, unencumbered by your past relationship and its constraints. Now is the time to live without regret!
- Embrace the freedom that comes with being single. The happiest people learn to look for the silver lining. Now that you aren’t married, you no longer have to consider your partner’s needs and wishes. You now get the opportunity to learn more about who YOU really are, and that can be liberating.
How Do You Know If Divorce Is Right For You?
Only you can know when it’s time to call it quits. If you’re still uncertain, speak to a therapist specializing in family issues, marriage, and divorce. Your therapist can guide you toward finding the answers and confronting your partner about the issues in your marriage. If your spouse is agreeable, you may even attend couples therapy together to learn how to repair the damage in your relationship.
Unfortunately, both spouses must be willing to put in the time and energy to fix the marriage. If one spouse doesn’t want to save the marriage, it is likely time to consider divorce.
If you are in an abusive relationship or married to someone with an addiction, you must protect yourself and your children first. Seek protection and get away from your abusive spouse before you file for divorce. Speak to an experienced Atlanta family law attorney who can focus on keeping you safe during your divorce.
Reach Out to Our Atlanta Divorce Attorneys
The experienced Atlanta divorce lawyers at Hobson & Hobson, P.C. know that divorce is never easy. Sometimes, couples are not certain that divorce is the right answer. We can help you explore all your legal options, from separation to divorce, and guide you through whatever comes next.
Contact us today at (770) 284-6153 or conveniently fill out our confidential contact form. By doing so, you can schedule a consultation to explore all of your legal options.
At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., we want to simplify the divorce process. You and your family have already been through enough. Let us take the burdens off your shoulders. Call us today!
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.