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My husband announced our breakup on Facebook, before I had a chance to tell my closest friends and family. Worst is our children hadn’t been told and that’s how they found out. Things haven’t been good, but now I’m feeling even worse. How do I respond to our status on social media?

–Ellie, Providence, RI

Try to forget about frigging Facebook. If you feel you have to soften the blow, do a status update directed to close family and friends saying that you have both agreed to a peaceable uncoupling. Because he announced it first, it makes him sound like the bad guy. By you graciously announcing the breakup was by mutual consent, you come out as the more rational voice.

Talking to your children is the most difficult. Together, gently tell them that you both will always love them no matter what, and they will have two homes instead of one. On this, you may want a professional consult.

~Didi