Posting here because I don't know where else I can say this without getting judged, condemned or told to "grow some balls" - heck, I'll probably be told that here as well but I'll give it a shot. This has just happened tonight.
Basically, after 20 years of my Parents being together - they have told me tonight they are splitting up. Reason being they don't get along anymore or something like that. At first my Dad + Mum told me this (when they were angry) just before my Dad was taking me out to go for a meal with some friends I hadn't seen in a while. Didn't think anything of it. I mean, there have been more times than I can remember through my life when they've said they are splitting up, one of them is moving out etc. Never happened so I thought why would this time be different?
I've noticed they haven't been getting along for months now but I had no idea it would really result in a breakup. I mean - they are my Parents, we are meant to be a family. When my Dad picked me up, he was still talking (and in a very calm, kind way which he rarely acts as) about them breaking up, asking if I'd come visit, said he still loves me, that him and my Mum will still be friends etc. At this point I was getting worried, not because he was still talking about it but because he was calm about it. Anyway, I got home and went straight to my Mum.
She basically told me the same information my Dad did. Additionally, she said she's going to start looking for a new place me + her can live in, then hire people to move our stuff, how due to her income the council will pay for our accommodation etc etc. and told me it's truly happening (in the same calm manner my Dad did) but that I shouldn't worry because it's better this way and that we'll be fine. After that, I went and had a long talk with my Dad (the last time I did this was around 7 years ago) about many things - music, why they are splitting up, my future, the universe, relationships etc etc. and for the first time in 9 years I was able to talk to him about things we disagree upon (such as my career choice) without arguing or debating.
Now, me personally - at first I was confused and upset but now I'm frustrated and worried but in a strangely calm way. I can't quite think straight, although I'm getting lots of support from my boyfriend and friends but they don't really understand what I'm going through as they haven't been through parents breaking up with them being in the middle of it all. I'm just desperately hoping this is a bad dream and that the knot in my stomach would go away. I just don't know what to do or who to talk to. I've got people telling me to "be strong" and that they are there if they need me but it's not giving me any answers. Why do these things happen? Why can't they just stay together and be happy? I wish I never took my parents being together for granted because now it's all over.
I'm hoping tomorrow I'll wake up and they'll tell me they've changed their mind or that they were too hasty and are staying together or something. Fat chance of that happening though.
TL;DR - Parents are splitting up and I have no idea what the fuck to do.