Helpful Phrases for Addressing Your Friends’ Initial Reactions to News of Your Divorce
Telling friends about your divorce can feel daunting, but with thoughtful preparation and empathy, you can navigate the conversation with confidence. The way you share the news sets the tone for their response and future support. Onward’s expert guidance provides helpful scripts to express your emotions, set boundaries, and encourage understanding. Whether you need reassurance, space, or simply a listening ear, these conversation starters help you communicate with clarity and grace.
Whether you feel distraught or empowered by your divorce, relaying the news to your friends can be one of the most intimidating conversations you’ll have. Yet when approaching this discussion with empathy, thoughtful preparation, and clear communication, you’ll feel more confident in helping them understand where you are in the process. The way you share this information—and the tone with which it’s delivered—can influence their initial reactions and set constructive communication for how they support you moving forward. Friends may respond in various ways, and Onward’s team of experts provides guidance on how to best navigate and respond to various points of view.
Here are some guideposts to help support you through the conversation:
- “I know this might come as a surprise or feel difficult to hear, and I understand if you need time to process it. I truly appreciate having friends like you during this time.”
- “We’re both committed to handling this with as much positivity and respect as possible. I’d love your support as I navigate this, but I understand if you have mixed feelings.”
- “It’s been an emotional time, and I’d really value your support without judgment. I’m still processing everything, so I might not have all the answers yet.”
- “I’m grateful to have a friend like you, and knowing I can lean on you a bit during this transition means a lot.”
- “Your friendship has always been important to me, and I hope we can continue to share good times and support each other as I go through this change.”
- “I hear that you’re feeling upset, and I can understand why. This is a difficult situation, and I appreciate your honesty.”
- “This wasn’t a decision we came to overnight. It took a lot of reflection, and we’re doing our best to handle it with care.”
- “I know this is hard news, and I’m grateful for your care and support. Your understanding would mean so much as I go through this.”
- “I value your friendship and honesty, but this is still a sensitive topic for me. If we could keep things respectful, it would really help.”
- “This isn’t easy news to share, and it’s taken a lot to get to this point. We’re both doing our best to manage, and I wanted you to hear it directly from me.”
- “It’s okay to feel however you feel, and I’m sorry that this news is upsetting. I just hope we can find a way to stay connected and supportive.”