My parents have been married for 34 years and I can tell you one thing I have no clue how my mother did it. I have been married for 9 years this past Oct and I dont think I can take anymore but I tell myself if she can do it so can I.

My parents divorced when I was about 8, I think. The divorce was necessary because my father beat my mother on a regular basis. My mother and I lived in the house, my older brother lived with my dad, and my middle (other older) brother went to military school to get away from the abuse. When I was 10, and my brothers 17 and 18, my father shot and killed my mother and then himself on a beautiful Sunday afternoon while I was in the yard and my brother was IN THE HOUSE. I am only glad that he did himself in so I didn't have to deal with him for the rest of my life. So I waited until 45 to get married, and it's been the hardest thing I have ever done. He is essentially a good guy, we just don't have alot in common. I lived in 2 foster homes (friends of family NOT strangers) so that's why I am having such a hard time with my house situation and not being able to make this my home (read my journal/advice file.)

fathers parents divorced, parents divorced, mother divorced 3 times. Yeah, I'm a hashmark on a page of statistics. ;)

My parents were married for 54 years until my father's death. My maternal grandparents were married for 48 years until my grandfather's death. My spouse comes from a broken marriage; and, we are on a road she has chosen in our separation. Whereas I will forever find the silver (okay, platinum by today's standards) lining through this process; such as, my friends with avatars at this insightful website... And, as for the "shame": there is always the opportunity to learn and grow from our experiences; and, this is what you take to the next generation so that the possibility of breaking a cycle stops. Consideration, commitment, and communication may help us better respect ourselves and others; thereby, permitting the needed understanding of unconditional love. Yes, I believe in this ideal; but, then again, I believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, too. Along the lines of this perspective I will be there for my daughter in so many ways that Disney forgot to mention at the end of the story. The End.

Yep. My parents divorced when I was 10. I hope and pray that my kids do not follow in my footsteps. I am very ashamed that I am considering getting divorced for the second time. My kids don't deserve this.

how old were you when they divorced? My parents divorced when I was 5. My mother remarried a year later and my father is still single.