If you’re considering a divorce in Oklahoma, you may want to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages. Each person’s situation is unique, so you might want to clearly outline the details of your situation, such as abuse, communication and openness from your spouse to save your marriage. Looking at the disadvantages of divorce helps you plan for a more successful path after divorce.
Freedom from an unhealthy relationship
If your spouse is abusive or toxic toward you or your children, then one of the most significant benefits of a divorce is freedom from the unhealthy relationship. It’s not possible to force another person to change. They must want the change for there to be hope of a resolution. However, you may want to be aware that some people pretend they will change to keep you. Others may intend to improve themselves but fall off track because it’s difficult to change.
Control over your decisions
After a divorce, you no longer need to compromise with others for your life decisions. If you were with a person who was incompatible with you, this is likely a breath of fresh air, yet you might feel a sense of disorientation in the beginning because you were used to consulting with your partner for decisions.
A challenge for children
Even if your children enjoy a more peaceful environment after the divorce, they face emotional challenges. Children tend to blame themselves for their parents’ divorce, which can have long-lasting negative impacts on them into adulthood. They are at a higher risk of adverse life outcomes. Of course, this doesn’t mean it’s better to continue in an unhealthy living situation. One way to combat this downside of divorce is to have your child see a therapist to process their feelings. They could learn healthy ways of managing their emotions and avoiding self-blame.
Your own emotional struggle
Most people who go through divorce experience grief even if they want to end their marriages. You may mourn what could have been or beat yourself up over choosing the wrong person. It could be helpful for you to see a therapist to help you fully heal from the divorce.
What’s common among divorces is the mixture of benefits and drawbacks that they come with. You may feel a sense of sorrow and loss regardless of the details of your situation. However, overcoming these feelings and moving forward into a better life is possible.