You may have been unhappy in your marriage for a long time, but it can be difficult to think about telling your spouse you want a divorce. You may be afraid of his or her potential reaction, or you could still care for your spouse and not want to hurt him or her. Breaking the news can be one of the most difficult things Massachusetts residents face.

The Huffington Post provides numerous tips you may consider when broaching the subject of a divorce with your spouse. They include the following:

• Think about what to say before saying it, rather than blurting out that you want a divorce.
• Avoid demanding a divorce in anger during an argument or using it as an idle threat.
• Do not blindside your spouse by requesting a divorce too bluntly; rather, approach the topic calmly, kindly and tactfully.
• If you are certain that divorce is the only option, do not give your spouse false hope that the marriage can be saved.

It is also important to consider your safety when asking for a divorce. If there is a chance your spouse may react violently or unpredictably, it may be wise to talk about it in front of a neutral party who knows how to facilitate these conversations, such as a therapist. If domestic violence has been an issue during your marriage, you may instead consider seeking a protective order and requesting that law enforcement serve your spouse the divorce papers.

Requesting a divorce is a sensitive and complex topic. Therefore, this information is not meant to replace the advice of a lawyer.