Hate: The Unlikely Ally In Early Divorce Recovery

While an ugly emotion, hatred often rears its head early in the divorce process—and for good reason. Hatred provides an emotional outlet for the searing pain, betrayal, and anger over a marriage's demise. It motivates you to actually go through with ending the relationship. Hatred strips away your rose-colored glasses, allowing you to separate from your idealized perception of your ex. It marks a shifting of perspective, letting go of who you thought your spouse was as you face this new reality. Though unhealthy long-term, some initial hatred can propel you into acceptance that the relationship has ended before you can heal.