A Solo Date Might Be Just What You Need During And After Divorce

A DGS reader wrote this: Just went on my first solo date–went to see the movie Bombshell, which was pretty good. Man, why did I used to be so intimidated by enjoying things alone? It’s so peaceful.   First off, congratulations on your solo date and you self-care act! Taking yourself out, doing the things … Read more

finding yourself after divorce

7 Suggestions In Finding Yourself After Divorce

So many of us invest our entire selves into our roles in life. Whether that is being a mother, a wife, a homeowner, etc., we find that these identities define us and we rely on them to feel a sense of purpose and importance. Our sense of self gets so wrapped up in these roles … Read more

My Ex Is Lying During Divorce, Telling People I’m Mentally Ill

Going through a divorce definitely has its challenges. We all know that. But what happens when during divorce, one person starts spreading lies about the other? Here is one reader’s story. During her divorce, her ex is actually telling people she is mentally ill.   “How do you handle the gossip they spread? He’s telling … Read more

ex got engaged

“My Ex Got Engaged. I Feel Like I’ve Been Pushed Off a Cliff”

This is from a divorced woman whose ex got engaged: I’ve been divorced for 3 years and I found out today my ex got engaged. He called to let me know, and I felt that physical pain, that stab in your heart. I pretended to be happy for him. I should be, anyway. We have … Read more

what happens after divorce papers are filed

What Happens After Divorce Papers are Filed?

Divorced Girl Smiling received an email from a guy basically saying, “I got served divorce papers! Now what?!” So, I thought I’d write about what happens after divorce papers are filed. My first piece of advice for what happens after divorce papers are filed is, despite what some people think, this isn’t really the start … Read more

divorce anger

What Getting Ripped Off Made Me Realize About Divorce Anger

I felt like this story would help those facing divorce  with divorce anger and bitterness. One would think that after spending almost 20 years living in downtown Chicago it would be unlikely that I fall victim to a scam. Not the case. A few years ago,  I took my kids to the Cubs game. It … Read more

second guessing divorce

Second Guessing Divorce? We Have Some Advice

Second guessing divorce is probably pretty common. But, there’s a difference between having doubts and thinking you might have made a mistake. A DGS reader asks these questions: Does anyone else question their decision to divorce? In other words, I’ve sort of been thinking lately, ‘Was my marriage that bad?’ Is this normal? I’m really … Read more

benefits of forgiveness

3 Benefits of Forgiveness When it Comes To Your Ex

I hear from so many people getting divorced that they are having a really hard time forgiving their ex. Some want to forgive the ex, but just don’t know how, and others say they will never, ever forgive the ex. But what if you found out that their are benefits to forgiveness? Benefits to YOU. … Read more

what is parental alienation

What Is Parental Alienation and How Do You Stop It?

Divorce itself can be absolutely devastating, but nothing can prepare you for the domino effect it will have on the other areas of your life, especially when there are kids involved. Going from a supportive and loving partnership to operating as separate entities is confusing and can leave the child or children involved feeling as … Read more

reasons for divorce

Reasons For Divorce Go Beyond What People Tell You

There are many reasons for divorce, but if you ask someone  why he or she is getting divorced, here are some answers you might get: 1. My husband cheated on me. 2. I came home one day and found my wife in bed with some guy. 3. My wife doesn’t love me anymore. 4. My … Read more

my ex moved on and it hurts

My Ex Moved On And It Hurts. Of Course it Does.

From a reader: I need some advice. My ex moved on and it hurts. When he was in denial going through our divorce, we still spoke a lot. He promised that he’d always be there for me– “you’ll see, whether we’re together or not, I’ll be there.” He bought a house a street over from … Read more

dating a woman 15 years younger

Betrayal And Disgust: The Ex Is Dating A Woman 15 Years Younger

I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that my husband is dating a woman 15 years younger (my kids told me about her) after 11 years of marriage and just a few months of separation. He’s 41 with 2 young kids  — it just feels so icky and like a punch … Read more