Welcome to A Year and a Day. I’m Jaime Davis, board-certified family law attorney at Gailor Hunt. In this re-run episode, I’m talking with Kate Anthony, a certified high-conflict divorce coach and author of The D Word: Making the Ultimate Decision about Your Marriage.

Kate shares her insights from over a decade of coaching thousands of women through the agonizing choice of whether to stay in a marriage or pursue a divorce. We explore why women often stay in unhappy relationships for an average of four years before making a move, frequently choosing their children’s or spouse’s needs above their own. Kate challenges the cultural myth that "staying for the kids" is always the best path, noting that high-conflict or deeply unhappy households can create a toxic blueprint for a child’s future relationships.

Together, we discuss how to identify different forms of abuse—including emotional, financial, and spiritual—and the "frog in boiling water" syndrome that leaves many women desensitized to their own unhappiness. Kate provides a roadmap for self-actualization, explaining how to differentiate your inner guide from your inner critic and why personal development is the ultimate tool for a brighter future, whether that involves saving the marriage through qualified therapy or "saving the divorce" through healthy communication.

Need help from Kate? Explore her resources and order her book by visiting kateanthony.com.

If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.

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While the information presented is intended to provide you with general information to navigate divorce without destruction, this podcast is not legal advice. This information is specific to the law in North Carolina. If you have any questions before taking action, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.