Whether your parents are separated, divorced, or were never married and are no longer together, you know the struggle. There are many phases you go through as a result of a separation/divorce, there's the 'I don't really know what's going on' phase, 'I do know what's going on, but don't really care' phase, 'I'm beginning to realize the effects this is having on me' phase, and finally 'I've come to terms with this' phase. No matter which phase you may be in right now, here's a list of things that are sure to happen throughout your journey.

1. You become a master packer. Going to visit your dad/mom every other weekend requires you to pick an outfit for every occasion because you never know what the day may bring.

2. You use the 'ol "I'm going to go live with dad/mom" after a bad argument with your parent, but you never really do because you don't have the energy to pack everything you own.

3. When you don't get permission from the parent you live with to do something or go somewhere, you think you're slick and pull the "I'm going to secretly ask my dad/mom" and do it or go anyway. In the end, they gang up against you and lose.

4. You miss out on certain things because they land on the weekend you're supposed to go visit your dad/mom, but looking back you appreciate the moments spent with your parent far more than anything else.

5. Your parents aren't always in constant communication, which is in your best favor. You can ask one parent for something else the other may not let you get and vice versa.

6. Birthday's, Christmas, Thanksgiving, basically everything is doubled. Double the gifts. Double the food. Double the love.

7. Just because your parents didn't work out, doesn't mean they won't work with someone else. You may have to welcome their significant other into your life, but don't fret. The way you handle this situation may vary on your age. This new person does not replace your mom or dad, they are simply another person in your life to learn life lessons from, talk to, confide in, share memories with, etc. Welcome them into your life and you won't regret it.

8. Sometimes you might get in the middle of whatever argument your mom and dad are having. Depending on your personality, it may or may not be hard for you to draw a line between you and your parents. The sooner you learn to distance yourself from their problems, the happier you'll be.

9. With those other significant others may come half brothers and sisters. This is the best part. The part that makes everything okay. Every time you visit your dad/mom you are overwhelmed with sibling love.

10. As you get older, your schedule becomes more and more complicated. You begin to visit your dad/mom less and less and miss out on special moments or events. Make time. Schedule ahead. Do what you can to make a bigger effort. It will be worth it in the end.

In the end, your parents separation isn't all that bad. Sure, it may seem that way in the beginning, but just like everything else, it will take some getting used to. Family is the most important thing in this thing we call life and just because you don't have the "traditional" version of one, doesn't mean it isn't as special.