Gray Divorce Stories

Book excerpt: In Gray Divorce Stories, 18 men and women who've gone through a divorce over age 50 talk about what they experienced in their marriages, their divorces, and their recoveries. Telling their own stories in their own words, each describes the good times and bad, their successes and failures, their regrets and their desires. And because they're anonymous, they do it with complete candor.Hundreds of thousands of Americans will go through a Gray Divorce this year. And they all have questions like, Are my feelings normal? What can I do to recover? What will my future be like? And so many more... The personal stories in this book can help answer those questions, as well as provide tips and guidance to make the divorce and recovery process go more smoothly. And, because so many of the interviewees have come through their divorces so well, the book can also offer inspiration and hope. In addition to those going through a Gray Divorce, common sense suggests plenty of long-married Over 50's must be considering it. Each is seeking to answer the one big question: Will I be better off if I get out? The stories in this book can provide that Divorce Curious (or "Di-Curious") reader a tremendous amount of useful information for reaching that decision.Among those who offer their stories: * Donna - She felt like a single mother during periods of her two decade marriage, knowing for years she wanted out. Finally she made the move, even though she was scared about struggling financially. Her advice to other women: You can do it. * Wendy - A successful corporate type, she was the breadwinner throughout her marriage. Though she did everything possible to support her struggling husband, she felt abandoned by him in every possible way. She was prepared to stick it out until her youngest left home, but then she met a man at a business conference... * Roger - He endured a 26 year marriage with a demanding, verbally abusive wife. The financial crash of '08 delayed his departure, but when real estate values bounced back, he got out. Roger expected to be emotionally wracked by the divorce; instead, he's thrilled to be in his apartment, golfing when he wants, with no yard work to do. * Gayla - Her long marriage was marked by poor communication and sex that felt like a chore. Finally divorced once her youngest graduated college, she spent a year working on herself before beginning to date again. Once she did, she discovered a world of sexuality unlike anything she'd ever imagined before. Any divorce is difficult and painful, but a Gray Divorce offers its own set of particular challenges. Anyone going through a divorce over 50, or considering one, can benefit from reading the first-hand experiences offered by Gray Divorce Stories.