My finalized divorce after 7 1/2 years of marriage felt like I slapped myself in the face with a brick. Not only were the typical financial and physical changes jarring, the emotional severance from the one I had deemed "my best friend forever," felt so immense. I was deeply lost, ashamed, and humiliated. Although I tried to "live well as the best revenge," I did not handle it well. I also did not have family or friends to turn to for help. Time ultimately helped and with the perspective of 27 years since then, I can still relate to anyone who is experiencing similar internal conflict. Divorce may be necessary, it may be "for the best," but it may also hurt like hell and feel extremely isolating. Sometimes all I needed was for someone to listen back then, and at a minimum, that's what I'll always be able to offer someone else.