47 Ways to Tell Someone You’re Divorced or Separated

Starting to date again? Exciting, isn’t it? But with that excitement comes some anxiety, especially if there’s a chapter from your past you haven’t opened up about yet.

You’ve found someone you really like and it’s all feeling like a fresh start. But in the back of your mind, there’s a voice asking, “When will you tell them you’re divorced or separated?”

But you feel a bit anxious about telling them about your past. Your mind’s probably racing with thoughts like, “What if they run for the hills?” or “Will they judge me?”

From personal experience, I can tell you it’s a mountain that often looks steeper than it really is. With the right approach and timing, it becomes just another conversation.

Before jumping into the ways to bring up your past, consider the timing. The first few dates are about getting to know each other, laughing at each other’s corny jokes, and figuring out if you are compatible.

But once you’re moving past the initial flirtation and feeling that deeper connection, it’s your window.

It’s important to be honest early on but not too early where it feels like an over-share. Remember, this isn’t about them, it’s about you being comfortable.

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How to Tell Someone You’re Divorced or Separated?

1. “I believe in being upfront. Just so you know, I’m divorced.”

2. “Life’s given me many lessons. One of those was a marriage that didn’t last. But hey, it shaped who I am today.”

3. “Before we go deeper, it’s only fair you know about my past. I was married once. It ended, but life goes on.”

4. “Hey, just so you’re aware, I’ve been married before.”

5. “Thought you should know, I’ve been through a divorce. It wasn’t easy, but it’s behind me now.”

6. “We’re getting to know each other, so here’s a bit about me: I’m recently divorced.”

7. “I guess we’re at that point where we share more personal stuff. So, I was married once. Didn’t work out.”

8. “We all have histories. Mine includes a marriage that ended. Just putting it out there.”

9. “Just a heads up, I’ve been down the marriage road before. Now I’m on a different path.”

10. “Life’s thrown me a few curveballs. One of them was a marriage that didn’t last.”

11. “Not to drop it out of the blue, but I’ve been married before. That’s behind me now.”

12. “I like to keep things open. I am currently separated. Life moves on.”

13. “You know, everyone has chapters in their life story. One of mine was a marriage that ended in divorce. Just thought you should know.”

14. “I’ve had my share of life’s ups and downs. One of the downs was a marriage that ended, but I believe in looking forward.”

15. “You know, before we go any further, I think you should know I’ve been married before. It didn’t work out, and now I’m separated.”

16. “I believe in openness. So, just to be clear, I am currently separated and plan to finalize the divorce sometime next year.”

17. “There’s something you should know about me. I’ve been married before.”

18. “So, I’ve been down the marriage path before. Just letting you know.”

19. “I like where this is going, and I believe in transparency, so you should know I’ve been married before.”

20. “While we’re on the topic of past relationships, I’ve been married. Didn’t work out.”

21. “Tonight’s been great. Just thought you should know a bit more about me: I’ve been married before and now I am separated.”

22. “You’ve been open about your past, so it’s only fair I mention my divorce.”

23. “It feels like the right time to share this: I’ve been divorced.”

24. “Being real here, I’ve been married and it ended. Just thought I’d share.”

25. “I don’t believe in keeping secrets. So, for the sake of transparency, I’m currently separated.”

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26. “I think we must share our past, the good and the not-so-good. I’ve been married before, and now I’m on a new chapter.”

27. “Just to lay all cards on the table, I was married once. It’s a past chapter, but an essential one.”

28. I haven’t been to a place like this since my separation.”

29. “You know, being here with you makes me glad I decided to divorce and move on.”

30. “I hope this doesn’t change things, but I am currently separated from my ex-husband.”

31. “It’s a bit odd, being in the dating scene after a divorce, but I’m glad we met.”

32. “Not to get too serious, but before we continue, you should know I’ve been married before.”

33. “I avoided bars like this after my divorce; felt too lonely. But tonight feels different with you.”

34. “So, before we order another round, I should probably tell you I’ve been married before.”

35. “Just so there are no surprises later, I’ve been married before and now I am separated.”

36. “Look, I’m really enjoying our time together, and I think you should know I’m currently separated and planning to divorce this year.”

37. “Being here with you feels right, and I want to be honest: I am currently separated.”

38. “Just so it’s out there and we’re on the same page, I’ve been married before.”

39. “I think you should know something. I’ve been married and now I’m not.”

40. “You have this easy-to-talk-to vibe, so I want to share that I’ve been divorced.”

41. “Just to keep things clear, I was married once. We separated, and life’s moved on.”

42. “This may be unexpected, but I think you should know I’ve been married before.”

43. “I believe in laying things on the table. So, I’ve been married before and now I am separated.”

44. “You deserve to know a bit more about me. I am currently separated from my ex.”

45. “I’ve been holding off on mentioning it, but I’ve been through a divorce recently.”

46. “This might be unexpected, but before we continue, I wanted to tell you that I’ve been married before.”

47. “It might come as a surprise, but I think you should know I’ve been divorced before.”

Read next: 13 Big Red Flags When Dating a Divorced Man or Woman