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Can I move on from my past emotional scars after my divorce?

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |663 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Aug 09, 2024

Kanchan Rai has 10 years of experience in therapy, nurturing soft skills and leadership coaching. She is the founder of the Let Us Talk Foundation, which offers mindfulness workshops to help people stay emotionally and mentally healthy.
Rai has a degree in leadership development and customer centricity from Harvard Business School, Boston. She is an internationally certified coach from the International Coaching Federation, a global organisation in professional coaching.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

Hi, I am 30, has one kid and getting divorced. My husband himself left our responsibilities but denying it in court to avoid paying alimoney. It is been 4 years since this seperation and still couldnot land a good job. Having financial troubles, emotionally disturbed and work stress. I somehow manage to pay my son's school fees. But there are 100s of other insecurities that surface time to time and I loose my patience. I have these insecurities due to emotional violence I faced in my marriage. Now I want to move on, I want to work on the emotional scars and live life peacefully. Is that even possible, then how?

Ans: I commend your courage in wanting to move forward and heal. The journey ahead might seem overwhelming, but with the right steps, it is possible to rebuild your life, find peace, and regain control over your emotions and future.

First, acknowledging the impact of the emotional violence you've endured is an important step. These scars run deep and can influence your thoughts, feelings, and actions long after the relationship ends. Healing from this requires time, patience, and often, professional support. Consider seeking therapy or counseling, if you haven’t already. A skilled therapist can help you process your emotions, understand the patterns of your past relationship, and equip you with strategies to manage the insecurities that surface.

Financial stability is another crucial area, and it’s understandable that the ongoing court battle adds to your stress. You might want to consult with a legal advisor who specializes in family law to ensure you're getting the support you and your child are entitled to. Some organizations offer free or low-cost legal services, which could be helpful in your situation. In parallel, continue your job search, but also consider upskilling or exploring different career paths that might open more opportunities. Even part-time work or freelance gigs can help bridge the gap financially while you look for something more stable.

As for the emotional toll and stress, self-care becomes essential. Try to carve out small moments for yourself each day, even if it's just a few minutes. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, can help you stay grounded and manage anxiety. Connecting with supportive friends or joining a support group for single parents or those going through divorce can also provide comfort and practical advice.

Building a routine that includes regular self-care, professional support, and steps toward financial independence will gradually help you regain your strength and confidence. It’s important to remember that healing is not linear—there will be setbacks, but each small step forward is progress.

Yes, it is absolutely possible to move on, heal from emotional scars, and live a peaceful life. It will require effort, resilience, and sometimes the willingness to ask for help. But with each step, you'll be closer to the life you envision for yourself and your child—a life where you feel empowered, secure, and at peace.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |663 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 19, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hello, I am 35 years old. Married. Not living with husband since an year, as he flirted with an office girl (this is the extent of it that I caught) and has tendency to do so. He is not emotionally aware (of himself or me) and I keep getting hurt as I am quite emotional. Also, I am not on talking terms with his parents as they had tried to sabotage our marriage in different ways on countless occasions. My husband wont agree (not that I want him to agree), but I think that's one reason of our increasing differences. I love him, but cannot find in my heart to move back with him ever again. We have a 5 year old kid, due to whom I am unable to move ahead with divorce. I am stuck in the midst, not knowing where to go next or stay in this same 'married but separated ' position forever. I'm definitely happier without the everyday petty bickering that we had when we lived together (which was turning me into a bitter and angry person, I don't want to be that). I have turned extremely distrustful of him. I do feel very lonely at times. We also went to a guidance counsellor to make the relation work some 1.5 years back, but my husband felt its a waste of money after 5 sessions, also he never invested in the emotional sorting that the counsellor mentioned our relation required. Any guidance?
Ans: It sounds like you're facing a complex and challenging situation. Here are some steps you might consider as you navigate your next steps:

Take care of yourself first and foremost. This means prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being. Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you process your feelings, develop coping strategies, and explore your options moving forward.
Take some time to reflect on what you want for yourself and your child in the long term. Consider what kind of environment you want to create for your child, as well as what you need in terms of emotional fulfillment and stability.
If you feel comfortable, consider having an open and honest conversation with your husband about your concerns and feelings. Express how his actions have affected you and what you need from him moving forward. However, be prepared for the possibility that he may not be receptive or willing to change.
Consult with a family law attorney to understand your rights and options regarding divorce, custody, and child support. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you navigate the legal process.
Regardless of whether you choose to stay married or pursue divorce, prioritize effective co-parenting for the well-being of your child. This may involve setting clear boundaries, communicating openly about parenting decisions, and prioritizing your child's needs above any personal conflicts.
Consider exploring alternative living arrangements or custody agreements that may better suit your needs and preferences. This could include living separately while co-parenting, or exploring shared custody arrangements that provide stability for your child while allowing you to maintain some distance from your husband.
Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for additional support and guidance. It can be helpful to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences and can offer empathy, advice, and solidarity.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to stay married or pursue divorce is a deeply personal one that only you can make. Take your time, trust your instincts, and prioritize your own well-being and that of your child as you navigate this challenging process.

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1794 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Sep 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 03, 2025Hindi
Relationship
After corona, when everything shut down and I came home, I started struggling with frustration and anger issues. Earlier, my father handled my marriage discussions, and I would reject proposals because at 24 I did not want to get married. But then my father passed away during corona, and suddenly I became the eldest in the house with all responsibilities. I shifted with my mom and younger sister to a new city. Life became different good in some ways, but also suffocating. I do not feel freedom anymore and have frequent quarrels with my mom because I feel she never takes my side. For the last 5 years, I have been searching for a partner through matrimony sites and dating apps, but only faced disappointment. Recently I was in a relationship with a man who I later found out was already married and living with another woman. This was heartbreaking and humiliating, and even his livein partner contacted me to tell the full truth. I feel betrayed and foolish. Now I keep thinking about how badly he treated me, and I cannot stop talking about it. My family gets tired of listening, and they ask me to move on, but I cannot. I feel like nobody understands how deeply it hurts me. Being the eldest, I always feel the weight of responsibility and sacrifice, but never freedom or support. I am 32 now, frustrated with the marriage search, dating apps, and family issues. All my friends are settled, and I have no one to hang out with. I really want to get married and start my married life, but I feel stuck, angry, and hopeless. How can I deal with my anger and loneliness? How do I stop ending up with the wrong people? How can I move forward towards marriage and a happy life?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Corona is long gone and it's time for you to move out and be by yourself. This will help you take charge of your life without intermingling too much with family; they need their space as well. Treat your family as your support system and not a punching bag; that will only infuse more negativity and land back on you.
Take on a new project, learn a new skill, join a social group...this new approach will take your focus off of the dating scene for a while and will help you reevaluate your choices towards a life partner. At least you will move from helplessness to a more useful place which will enable you think better about your life and life choices.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11156 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 26, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 26, 2026Hindi
Money
I am 41, earning 1.6L/month, dependent family with a kid of 9 years. Home loan of 43L, emi 50k + 10 k part payment every month. SIP : 33k/month accumulated to 12 L Shares : 25 L ESOP : 10 L MF : 15 L Expense : 50 k EPF 12k/month Corporate health insurance. No term insurance, as company sponsoring 50L term insurance. Kindly guide me any improvements in the current strategy and an approach for passive income which would turn into active after the corporate career .
Ans: You have built a strong base already. Your income, savings habit, and discipline in loan repayment are very good. With some fine-tuning, you can move from “stable” to “financially independent with choice”.

» Current Financial Position – Healthy but Slightly Unbalanced

Income vs expense gap is strong. You save well.
Good mix of assets: MF + shares + ESOP + EPF
Home loan is under control with part prepayment – this is a big positive
However, risk protection and asset allocation need correction

» Risk Protection – Immediate Gap

You are depending only on company term insurance (Rs 50L)
This is risky because it stops if you change job or lose job

You should:

Take a personal term insurance of at least Rs 1.5 to 2 Cr
Keep corporate cover as backup, not primary

Health insurance:

Corporate cover is good, but add a personal family floater policy
Reason: continuity after retirement or job change

» Emergency Fund – Must Improve

You have not mentioned a clear emergency fund
Your EMI + expense is ~Rs 1 lakh/month

You should:

Maintain at least 6 months = Rs 6 lakh in liquid form
Keep in savings + liquid mutual fund

» Asset Allocation – Needs Rebalancing
Your current structure:

Shares (Rs 25L) + ESOP (Rs 10L) = high company/market risk
MF (Rs 15L) + SIP (Rs 33k/month) = good
EPF = stable

Concern:

Too much concentration in equity and ESOP
ESOP risk is double – job + investment in same company

You should:

Gradually reduce ESOP exposure over time
Move that into diversified mutual funds
Keep equity but reduce concentration risk

» Loan Strategy – Good but Balance Needed

EMI Rs 50k + Rs 10k prepayment is disciplined

But:

Do not over-prioritise loan closure at the cost of investments

Balanced approach:

Continue EMI
Reduce part payment slightly if it affects investments
Equity over long term can give better growth than loan interest saved

» Investment Strategy – Strengthen for Goals
You are investing well, but need structure:

Separate investments by goals:
Child education (9 years left)
Retirement (15–20 years)
Continue SIP but:
Increase SIP by 5–10% every year
Focus on diversified, actively managed funds
Avoid over-exposure to direct stocks unless you track regularly

» Passive Income to Active Income Transition
This is where you need clarity now (very important stage)

Phase 1 – Build Passive Income

Grow MF corpus steadily
Add some debt allocation closer to retirement
Aim for income-generating corpus

Phase 2 – Convert to Semi-Active
Choose one path based on your interest:

Financial knowledge → advisory / consulting
Skill-based → teaching / coaching / freelance
Business → small scalable service

Key idea:

Start part-time before leaving job
Build income slowly for 3–5 years

» Retirement Direction – Early Planning Advantage

You are 41, so you have time
Your discipline is your biggest strength

You should:

Define retirement age clearly (say 55 or 60)
Build a corpus that can replace at least 70–80% of income
Gradually reduce risk 5–7 years before retirement

» Tax Efficiency Awareness

Continue using EPF as safe component
For mutual funds:
Hold long term to benefit from lower tax (above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%)
Avoid frequent churning

» Finally

Protect first (term + health insurance)
Build emergency fund
Reduce ESOP concentration risk
Keep investing consistently and increase yearly
Start building second income stream now, not later

If you follow this path, your shift from salary income to independent income will be smooth and stress-free.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

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