What to know about divorce that no one tells you

Although about 50 percent of American couples will divorce, the topic remains very taboo. Divorce is simply not a topic that people like to discuss. Many people consider it scandalous, shameful or worry that discussing it will bring bad luck to their own marriages. But these misconceptions only contribute to the stigma surrounding divorce.

If more people openly talked about divorce, then people experiencing it would not be taken by surprise by its many unexpected challenges. To help break the stigma of divorce, we have compiled a list of some of the surprising aspects of divorce that few people discuss.

The unexpected challenges of divorce

When preparing for a divorce, you anticipate that it will probably be emotionally painful and full of bureaucracy. You should also prepare for some of these surprises:

• Feeling isolated: During and after a divorce, you may feel incredibly isolated from your friends and community. After all, no one except you knows what you are going through. To remedy this, you could seek counseling, open up to someone you trust or keep a diary.

• Logistical challenges: The logistical aspects of a divorce pile up quickly. You may have to find a new place to live, hire movers, sell certain assets and fill out stacks and stacks of paperwork.

• Building new relationships: You might find that your relationships no longer feel the same, especially with friends of your former partner. Take the time that you need to mourn the relationships that end. Then, reach out to your new community and start making new friendships.

• Wanting not to talk about it: Divorce is a sensitive topic. You might find yourself wanting to clam up instead of discussing it. There is nothing wrong with this—your privacy is important. But remember that the more people discuss divorce openly, the more we can break the stigma surrounding the topic.

You do not have to go through a divorce alone. With people like friends, family, church leaders and legal counsel, you will somehow get through this difficult time and emerge stronger than before.