“Alex, I think we need to talk. Can you sit down with me here?” OK… what’s going on? “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to go ahead. I haven’t been happy in our relationship in a long time. I’ve been thinking about this and trying to figure out a way to fix it, but I don’t think there’s any way. I want to get a divorce.” ...What? “I’m sorry if this is coming as a shock. I understand if you feel angry or caught off-guard. I just couldn’t keep going this way anymore.” I just… I don’t understand…? “This isn’t a decision I’ve come to lightly. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. I feel like we’re growing apart and it seems like I know you less and less. The fights we’ve had have been unbearable. I just can’t put either of us through this anymore.” But… a divorce? I can’t believe this. Can’t we try, at least? We can try more couples counseling, or something? “I’ve thought about that too, but we tried that before and it didn’t work, and I feel like it would just make this even more painful. I don’t want to do that to you or to myself.” I can’t believe this is happening. I love you so much...why are you doing this? “I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I never wanted to hurt you, ever. I tried for so long, but I just can’t do it anymore. We both deserve better than that.” I know we’ve been going through some rough patches. But I’d never give up on you. How can you do this to me? “This isn’t good for either of us anymore. It’s not working and trying to force it is just making it worse. I understand that you’re shocked and upset, and if you’re angry at me, I’d understand that too.” I just don’t understand! What did I do wrong? Is there someone else? “No, of course not, and you didn’t do anything wrong. This isn’t your fault or my fault, it’s just the way it is. We can’t make this work anymore, and we just need to come to terms with that. I know this is so hard. I’m sorry.” I don’t know what to say. “I’ll leave you alone for a little while. You can call me whenever you want to talk again. I care about you a lot, and I’m so sorry for hurting you.