What about seeking the advice of close friends, relatives and in-laws in deciding whether or not to divorce?

Third-party intervention, welcomed or unsought, adds potential belligerents or innocent victims to an arena best occupied only by the people involved. The good friend who chimes in with unsought advice, the in-laws who take sides in the battle, the bystander who knows a good lawyer -- all can complicate one of most difficult situations a married couple can ever face. Third parties who intervene may have the best of intentions, but the road to a very hot place is paved with good intentions of people who cannot mind their own business.

Couples must make or unmake their own marriages. No one can do it for them. A friend who offers unsought advice may be acting more out of his or her own selfishness than concern.