divorce and the pandemic

Divorce and the Pandemic: 6 Issues that Could Lead a Couple to Splitting Up

It is hard to believe that we have been living through the COVID-19 pandemic for nearly a year, still facing these strange times of shutdowns, masks, quarantining, and now, vaccines. I think we’d all agree that living in a pandemic is painful and can put a huge strain on relationships, including a marriage. But what … Read more

divorce attorney Tiffany Hughes

My Q & A With Divorce Attorney Tiffany Hughes

  There is a passion and energy I feel when talking to divorce attorney, Tiffany Hughes. Hughes, who is the founder of her Chicago based all-women family law firm, became one of my Divorced Girl Smiling partners about a year ago, and everyone I’ve introduced her to has said the same thing.      This … Read more

how do you know when to leave a marriage

How Do You Know When To Leave a Marriage?

It’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years since I was sitting in my therapist’s office with tears streaming down my face, realizing my marriage had to be over. How do you know when to leave a marriage?   It’s different for everyone, but for me, it was a feeling of certainty that just rushed … Read more

causes of divorce

The Root of All Causes of Divorce: Resentment

There are so many different causes of divorce, and every divorce story is unique. Here are a few common causes of divorce: Cheating, excessive arguing, substance abuse, lack of sex, growing apart, physical abuse, and verbal abuse. While all of these reasons are valid and very very significant, I believe that all causes of divorce are … Read more

my husband is miserable in our marriage

My Husband is Miserable in Our Marriage: What You Can and Can’t Do

From a reader: My husband is miserable in our marriage. We have been together for over 20 years. Things started getting really bad when he became very unhappy with this job (and life in general it seemed) about 5 years ago. We seem to have very different ideas about how to approach life’s challenges. I … Read more

cheating husband

Should This Woman Give Up On Her Cheating Husband?

Read this woman’s email, which tells the story of her cheating husband, their trips to discernment counseling (which is a process where a couple decides if they should try to work things out or get divorced), and some of her husband’s remarks. Email from a woman with a cheating husband: Four months ago, after my … Read more

paralyzed by fear and anxiety

Paralyzed by Fear and Anxiety When It Comes To Divorce?

It’s something that you’ve thought about for a long time. You’ve been dissatisfied with your marriage for years, yet here you still are. The idea of separating from him or her leaves you feeling a range of emotions from terrified to exhilarated. You want to make a change to make your life better, yet you … Read more

preparing for divorce checklist

Preparing For Divorce? Here is Your Checklist

In the wake of the coronavirus, China saw a massive surge in the number of divorce cases filed. So, will the same thing happen in the U.S.? Will the divorce rate spike after couples have spent months quarantined together, having had the chance to reflect on the marriage, why it isn’t working and what they … Read more

my husband is not affectionate or romantic

My Husband Is Not Affectionate Or Romantic And I Might Want A Divorce

DGS gets a lot of emails from readers who tell us “My husband is not affectionate or romantic.” While that is a problem, is it enough of an issue to warrant divorce? Here’s the story of one reader who’s wondering about this:   I have been married for 12 years and all these years I … Read more

when is divorce the right answer

Separated Woman Asks, When is Divorce The Right Answer?

A Divorced Girl Smiling reader asks, “When is divorce the right answer?” Here is her email: I’m having a hard time with my decision to leave my husband for good even though it’s been almost 2 years. He came over to my apartment the other day crying and so upset because he wants us back … Read more

should I stay in my marriage for the kids

Should I Stay In My Marriage For The Kids?

I often work with people who have stayed in their marriage for years for the sole reason of not wanting to put their kids through a divorce. This is a well-meaning and loving decision made by parents who are genuinely interested in their children’s welfare. But at the same time, it can cause serious damage … Read more

I Want a Divorce: How Do I Tell Him?

Jackie, I don’t know where to start. I don’t love my husband anymore. I also don’t want to be married anymore.  I don’t understand the point of marriage and I regret it everyday.  I have been married 5 years. We have no children together.  My problem is this: he has not done anything really that bad. … Read more