Divorce, once rare and stigmatised, has become mainstream – 42 per cent of marriages now end this way, meaning nearly half of us who get married can expect to experience it in our lifetime. Just as every marriage is different, so is every divorce. In this column, divorcees reflect on their life-changing experience. Helped by the benefit of hindsight, they share advice and reflections.
Beth*, 46, spent 20 years married to her now ex husband James*. Here she explains why – despite the divorce coming through – she’s still furious with him.
Even though my divorce is finalised, I still can’t see my ex-husband without my blood starting to boil. People assume that once the paperwork is signed and you’ve both moved on, the anger and upset at ending a marriage fades away. There’s an assumption divorce brings closure; for me, it hasn’t, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to look at James without feeling angry.
On the surface, we’re perfectly civil. We have two children together, so we Whatsapp most days about them, discuss school events and birthdays, and do everything we can to keep things normal for them.
Inside, I’m furious.
