When an intimate relationship reaches the end of the road – whether that be separation, breakup, or in the case of a marriage, divorce – the upset, the emotional, psychological and emotional pain can be almost agonising. This is understandable, since the separation, break-up and divorce can be the death of a relationship. As a result, you may grieve for the life that they have known, as well as the life that is unknown – the future life that you have not shared together. As such, your entire reality as you have known it, may be changing – your home life, your relationship with family and friends and your financial situation. It can feel like a tsunami suddenly hitting you with no warning.
Yet perhaps deep down in your “heart of hearts” you knew that the relationship was coming to an end. However knowing this and doing it are two very different things. Change and moving forward can be difficult, intimidating and scary, despite realising that eventually you would be better off ending the relationship. Furthermore dealing with the practicalities of separation and divorce is problematic, but dealing with the emotional impact of a relationship end can be the most demanding and difficult part. Perhaps you may ask yourself what I do now. How will I manage on my own? – having to make decisions about things I never had to make. Will I ever meet anyone else again? Was the end of the relationship my fault?
