Is the holiday season bringing extra stress and thoughts of divorce? If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. The time around the holiday season is the most common time for people to file for divorce. Although, before you jump the gun and do so yourself, consider this:
1. Are you feeling guilty?
If you feel guilty about desiring a divorce, you are also not alone. Unfortunately, many people begin to place the blame on themselves. If you feel this way, you should take time to make amends with yourself and get to the bottom of why you have these desires.
2. Make sure you are thinking clearly.
The holiday season can bring about tremendous stress that is not present for the rest of the year. Ensure that your stress and emotions are not causing you to think irrationally.
3. Wait if you can.
Although you may want to bring up the topic and get it out of the way, there may be better ideas than this. This is not a conversation that lasts 10 minutes but days, weeks, or even months.
4. Consider why you should not ask now.
Most people asking for a divorce do not associate the experience with positive attributes. Consider why there may be better ideas than asking now for everyone involved. If you have children, breaking the news may tamper with this holiday season and the seasons to come. If possible, the end of your marriage shouldn’t be associated with the holiday season.
5. Know the long-term consequences if you ask now.
If you must ask now, ensure that you plan to give everyone a “cooling off” period to adjust to the news. Divorce is never easy, especially over the holidays.