Quote: A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and the one that we take the least care of all to acquire. (Francois de La Rochefoucauld)

Anger, bitter, scared, happy, sad, embarrassed? It’s the gamut of emotions, and sometimes they all come in one day. Their target: you.

You think to yourself, especially if you have children:

Your first couple of meetings with your support group can be emotional. You will share stories and tears with people who had been married anywhere from a year to over 30 years. Their educational levels vary but their anxiety and unhappiness are equal. Divorce does not discriminate! You’ll start out as strangers in your group and end up as friends exchanging phone numbers for support at any hour of need.

As soon as there is talk of separation, find a support group. Here are just a few ways in which you will benefit:

Your first call may be to a friend who has been divorced. Your telephone book may have listings under Counseling, Divorce, Therapy or Mental Health Services. The "blue pages" of your local phone directory lists government agencies and community services. Also, be sure to ask your attorney to recommend a group.

Divorce Support Groups introduce you to people who understand what you are going through. There are thousands of divorce support groups around the U.S. that provide the atmosphere that will allow you to break from the past and rebuild your life. Most of the divorce support groups are non-denominational even though they are held or sponsored by local churches.