Relationships don’t always work out the way you had envisioned and separations are, unfortunately, common whether this is a relatively new relationship or a couple that has been married for many years. There are many reasons why a couple might separate, but this will always be a difficult process to manage both emotionally and logistically. This is particularly true if you have built a life together and have children.

While it will always be difficult and there will always be difficult emotions to process, there are a few tips which will help to make a separation slightly easier and allow you to come out the other side more smoothly and quickly.

Make A Clear Decision

First, you need to make a clear decision as to whether or not the relationship is over. If you are going back and forth, then it will only make matters worse in the long-run so you need to make a clear decision. If you decide to separate, then you should look to put distance between the two of you if possible.

Expect Different Emotions

It is likely that you will go through a wide range of emotions in a separation no matter the reason for the split. Ending a relationship will always be difficult, so it is likely that you will experience negative emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, stress and sorrow. Understand that these are natural and that things will get better with time.

Seek Legal Counsel

If you are married and/or have children then there will be various legal issues that need resolving, and this can only add to your stress. This is why it is so important to seek expert matrimonial & family solicitors who can work on your behalf to create the best possible situation for yourself while you focus on processing your emotions and looking after yourself.

Look After Yourself

Following this, it is also important that you make an extra effort to look after yourself during this time. It is fine and expected to be sad and to mourn the relationship, but you should avoid negative behaviour like excessive drinking and eating, neglecting your health and avoiding socialising.

Instead, try to retain a healthy lifestyle, engage in hobbies and socialise with friends and family so that you can start to build a new life for yourself.

Seek Support

Leading on from this, it is important that you have support around you so that you have people to talk to during this challenging time. Friends and family can be of great support during a separation, but you may also want to consider speaking to a mental health professional if you are struggling.

You could also look into support groups and online communities as it can be helpful to speak to other people who are going through a similar experience to you.

A separation will never be easy, but the above tips should help to make it a slightly easier process and allow you to come out the other side. No matter the length of the relationship or the reason for the split, there are sure to be some dark days ahead but things will always get better with time and by looking after yourself.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post, and the author’s views here do not necessarily reflect those of His & Hers Magazine.

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