emotional support for family after split

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2008
emotional support for family after split
1
Wed, 04-30-2008 - 7:35pm
Hi. I have seperated from my husband of 4 years a few months ago (we have been together 10 years). More and More I am happy with the decision and feel such a sense of relief after being in such an unhappy situation for so long. As a matter of fact, I feel Great! Sure there are time of grief and sadness but overall I recognize this as growth and am looking forward to a new future.
The difficulty I am having is the reaction from my immediate family. I did not openly discuss my marital un-bliss until I had decided to leave the situation. So the split has been very shocking for them. They truely do not understand and have readily expressed their disappointment and anger with me. I have shared with them openly and honestly about why I left, but that seems to not be helpful. I am so sad that they cannot share in my excitement. It has been several months now and the rift keeps growing wider, although I try to be as supportive as possible through their grief. How have other people dealt with this situation and been able to deal with family reaction of prolonged anger and misunderstanding? If anyone knows of any websites or other resources that might help with this situation - please post - I am open to anything!
Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Thu, 05-01-2008 - 7:29am

Fly,


There are two views of any relationship. First, the one you live with, day in and day out. The one that truly is not privy to outside eyes, i.e. what goes on behind closed doors. Second, the one everyone perceives from the outside, i.e. family, neighbors, friends, collegues, etc. Those who don't know what goes on behind closed doors.


Your also discovering that while divorce is a very common occurance in our culture; it's not as readily accepted by

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