A divorce can be relieving for many people, but it is still a time of significant change and stress. The legal system can be difficult to navigate, and you’ll likely need to alter many of the daily routines you’ve established over the years. Another difficulty is telling your friends and family about your decision. Thankfully, there are ways you can tell people you’re getting a divorce without fear that they’ll judge you or treat you any differently.

Decide What You Want To Tell

The first step in telling people you’re getting a divorce is deciding what you want to tell and what you want to keep to yourself. Relationships are personal, but that’s never stopped people from asking questions. Yes, many people are doing it to support you, but you must know where you want to draw the line. Some important topics you may need to tell people are:

  • If there are any significant changes in job or location
  • Parenting arrangements
  • If you have a plan for your future

Any topics outside this are up to you and what you want to disclose. While informing friends and family is an important part of planning for marital separation, there are some things you may just want to keep to yourself.

Find the Right Setting

Another part of telling people about your divorce is finding the right setting. Depending on where you live, you may not want to go to a restaurant or café to talk with someone. For example, if you’re in a small town, eavesdroppers could turn your private disclosure into a nasty game of telephone, making your private business the new hot gossip.

Thankfully, public spaces like these don’t have to be your only option. You could invite people over to your home, or you could meet at a park or playground. You’ll have much more privacy in these locations and can talk for as long as you want without running into a restaurant’s closing time.

Find the People You Can Rely On

Before telling people you’re getting divorced, it’s wise to start with some people you can rely on for support. While you may have a lot of friends and family, some are likely better equipped to lend you their shoulder to cry on. Find these people and talk to them first because they’ll likely have advice for letting others know about your divorce. Talking to these people first can help affirm your choices and make you feel more mentally clear. It can be stressful, so finding that clarity early will greatly improve your well-being.

It won’t be easy telling people that you’re getting a divorce, but it is a necessary step in moving forward with your life and helping your mental health. After finalizing a divorce, changing all your financials, and telling the people in your life, it’s time to move forward and live your life.