Getting divorced? Here are some true stories of divorce from the book “’You Can Keep the Damn China!’ And 824 Other Great Tips on Dealing With Divorce” (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who’ve lived it:

“My husband was spending less time at home and was less affectionate. Sometimes he would give me a creepy look–almost an “I hate you” look. One time he had this expression on his face. I said, “What’s wrong?” He said, “Were I to tell you, it would just hurt your feelings.” When it gets like that, it’s time to start mentally preparing for what’s coming: You need to start forming a plan.”

– Jennifer, Las Vegas

“One day you just wake up and say, ‘I made a big mistake. I’m out of here.’ My advice? Do it. Don’t overthink it.”

– Eileen, West Stockbridge, Mass.

“My husband said to me, ‘It hurts me too much to be nice to you. Being nice to you isn’t in my best interest.’ Well, the only decision I had left to make after that was who gets the house.”

– Tary Paris, Lincoln, Neb.

“A light went on for me when my father said, “I’d rather see my daughter happily divorced than unhappily married.” I knew he was right, and I filed for divorce shortly after.”

– Robin Vellis, Clarks Summit, Penn.

“For the Catholics out there: Talk to your priest and ask for the papers to begin the annulment process. It’s a huge document in which you are asked to give a summary of your and your ex’s lives and relationships. If anything, the annulment process will make you painfully analyze each and every step of your relationship to understand what went wrong. This process is tedious, gut-wrenching, and forces a person to analyze her behavior. I learned a lot about myself and how I can make my relationships better and mutually satisfying.”

– D.L., Chicago

“Ask your closest family and friends, whose opinions you value, what they think about your spouse and the situation. Sometimes when you are in the throes of problems with someone you love, it is difficult to really see what is going on. Getting an outside opinion from those who know you best can help you make a decision.”

– Dawn Petchell,
Arlington, Va.

“No matter how much in love you think you are, or that you’ve really found the right person, you should not get married at 18. At that age, you’re still trying to figure out who you are and what you want out of life. It’s way too early to get hitched. I married too young the first time, and I’m still paying for it. Now I have to live with the fact that I was part of a failed marriage.”

– Kevin L., Pittsburgh

Hundreds of Heads Books’ survival guides offer the wisdom of the masses by assembling the experiences and advice of hundreds of people who have gone through life’s biggest challenges and have insight to share. Visit www.hundredsofheads.com to share your advice or get more information.