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.Jack*, 45, from Cornwall, is the father of Ronnie, four. Since his marriage to Ronnie’s mum, Jemma, ended in 2023, he says he regrets becoming a father.
When I first met Jemma*, we had the chat all couples do about plans for the future and what we both wanted. We wanted a family but we were young and in our twenties, so I thought I had plenty of time. Looking back, I’m not sure I was 100 per cent on board, but Jemma wanted them and I wanted to make her happy. We had a great few years adventuring and travelling together, but after building our own house in 2014, we decided to start trying for a family in 2017.
We were unsuccessful but both put it down to stress and the fact we had difficult jobs. After a year of trying, we sold the house we bought and decided to take a break for a while. We did the health checks needed and they all came back fine so we thought it was just a matter of time, and maybe reducing our stress levels.
