I learned about the Gartner hype cycle from a friend and he talked me through how it is very similar to a divorce.

Gartner Hype Cycle

We often think of the divorce process as a linear journey from separation to independence but it isn't. There are five stages

The Trigger: Like the 'Technology Trigger' in the Gartner model, a divorce starts with a significant event - filing for divorce. Whoever filed is irrelevant, it's happening.

The Peak of Expectations: You then hit the "Peak of Inflated Expectations." You might feel a surge of optimism. You think things will be smooth, maybe even amicable. You even think that you will be able to reconcile. There's a sense that everything will work out for the best, quickly and painlessly.

The Trough of Disillusionment: Reality hits and enters the "Trough of Disillusionment." The process is tougher, longer, and more draining than you expected. You get hit with false accusations, maybe kicked out of the house, legal fees pile up, and you don't see an end to this madness. It's a period of loss, confusion, and often, a reassessment of expectations.

The Slope of Enlightenment: You start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This phase is about learning, adapting, and understanding. You come to grips with your new reality, handle challenges constructively, and make peace with change. It's a time for personal growth and finding inner strength you didn't know you had.

The Plateau of Productivity: The divorce is finalized, and you've navigated through the legal and emotional maze. You've moved forward, rebuilt, and embraced a new chapter. It's not just about recovery, it's about thriving in your new reality.

I see a lot of us here (including me) in the disillusionment phase and I hope it will get better. Just hang in there.