Recently divorced women have an urgent need to understand their emotional rollercoaster. They should expect feelings ranging from betrayal, guilt, failure, abandonment, rejection, anger, despair, hopelessness, fear and relief. For most, the betrayal of trust is the hardest emotion to overcome, especially if there was cheating.

It takes time to heal, so don't jump into dating and another relationship, for it's likely you will end up with the same type of partner. It takes time to be ready for dating—anywhere from six to 12 months or longer.

The range of feelings will linger, especially if custody and financial issues are not solidly resolved. In due time, you must "learn to forgive, let go and move on,"the psychologist says.

Mandel has accurately summarized the extent of emotional issues. Most divorced women I've known have experienced these feelings. The intensity will vary according to what happened in your marriage. It's easier to enumerate and recognize the emotions, but it's so much more difficult to shed them. Forgiveness is not a simple process. But children can often help overcome the barriers, since the parents will be attached through them for years to come.

Divorced women must feel these emotions in order to start the healing process. It's a bit easier for those who have financial security, a job and the necessities of life. In my opinion, if there was no financial settlement or a marital home, the economic realities make the anger, fears and anguish, longer lasting.

Experts seem to agree that it's okay to express the gamut of feelings and it's just fine to be single. Divorce is a learning experience and the recovery period offers a chance to rediscover and redefine yourself. New and challenging adventures lie ahead after you begin to forgive and let go.

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