Guest Author - Stephanie L Watson

When deciding about getting a divorce it is natural that you might consider what others think and feel during your decision making process. Here are some things to think about when considering them.

Children

If you have children you have a lot to think about when it comes to them. The thing to remember is that children can thrive even if you get a divorce as long as you and your ex spouse can work together in a collaborative, healthy way. In our society people can get a divorce for any reason they want.

If you're just bored, or think the grass is greener someplace else but your spouse is generally a good person, it doesn't matter, you can still get a divorce. But, if you have children I hope you will reconsider. Even in the best of circumstances divorce affects children's lives while growing up and through adulthood. Statistically children of divorce are more likely to also divorce as adults.

Having said all that, you have to make yourself happy too. Your children want happy parents.

Parents

Some people stay in horrible marriages because they do not want to upset their parents. Your parents will survive your divorce. They just want you to be happy. Tell them they do not have a choice in this situation, that if they love you, they have no choice but to accept your decision as an adult. As long as you aren't expecting your parents to pay for anything or support your lifestyle, you are an adult, and you are well within your rights to do what you want.

Acknowledging their concerns and demonstrating to your parents your good decision making abilities will go far in alleviating their issues.

God

God is a little more tricky. Only you know what your God tells you about divorce. Talk to someone who knows your religion to get an idea about where you stand in this area.

No matter what your particular believes are, I just have to believe that God would not want you to be miserable or abused. Pray on it, meditate on it, read your religious literature.

Ultimately the choice is yours and depending upon your religion you might have to alter your believes or come to have new ones.

Hopefully upon reflecting on others in your decision to divorce or not to divorce it helps you come to a conclusion. Unless you're in an abusive situation there is no rush to make a choice. Take your time and consider all aspects of your decision.