It can be unquestionably difficult to determine whether or not you should divorce your spouse for your own benefit. Last month, we posted a blog on this very subject entitled. “Has divorce become the healthiest option for you?” It is undeniably important to consider your own health and wellbeing when determining whether or not you should divorce. However, you are likely not just weighing the personal consequences of ending your marriage if you have yet to file a petition for dissolution. You are likely thinking about how your divorce might impact both yourself and your family.

Whether your spouse is your only real family, whether you have children, mutual friends and/or extended loved ones, your marriage touches other people. As a result, you may not be able to make a decision about whether or not you should divorce based on your personal interests alone. If this is the case, you may want to consider a few thoughts as you continue to debate your options.

First, please understand that your health and wellbeing impacts the health and wellbeing of those around you. If you believe that your marriage can become healthier and happier, then perhaps divorce is not for you. However, you are not doing yourself, your spouse, your children and your loved ones any favors by staying in an unhealthy and unhappy marriage. Your loved ones might not understand your decision to divorce at first, but ultimately your health and wellbeing (or lack thereof) will eventually impact them to the point where they will likely come to understand.

Second, please take solace in the fact that the modern American family does not have a set shape or size. Your family structure may reorganize itself in the wake of divorce, but it will remain your family unless you no longer want it to be defined as such. It is up to you to recognize any family structure you wish to in order to better foster your health and wellbeing.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Four True Things About Marriage, Divorce and Families,” Magda Pecsenye, July 16, 2014