Grow A Mustache
And Survive Divorce
by Corey Gray
Pre-Sales!
Get Your Signed Copy Now!
$25.82
(Limited Quantities Available
Hardcover Only)
In the first of a planned series of self-help books, Grow a Mustache and Survive Divorce: An Angry Ex-Husband’s Roadmap to Recovery, Gray, a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Army veteran, shares his personal experiences as a divorce survivor and practical steps men can take to get through a breakup.
“My goals are to provide men with perspective and empathy for what they may be experiencing as they go through a divorce, educate them in processes they may be unfamiliar with, and provide them with hope for their life after a marital split,” said Gray, who served in the Army for 5 years and leverages his experience to help others process trauma and develop coping strategies.
Gray challenges his audience to look at where they are now and forgive themselves so they can achieve personal growth and movement in a positive direction. He also provides crucial tips on seeking legal advice, building a solid support system, finding new purpose outside of the normal routine, and navigating new and previous relationships.
“Men will relate to this book and gain invaluable insight on dealing with divorce in a productive, honorable, and, importantly, manly manner,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. “Corey’s book is about validation and understanding for readers coping with difficult circumstances.”
More information about Corey Gray and the challenges men face going through divorce.
Read an Excerpt from
Grow A Mustache And Survive Divorce
Grow A Mustache And Survive Divorce - Excerpt*
Chapter One
WHERE AM I?
How the hell did you end up here? Maybe she was perfect, or she was the girl of your dreams, or they were the “person you could see yourself growing old with”, and now it’s all… well it’s shit. She doesn’t return your calls and talks shit about you to her friends, and they took your dog and put that stupid fucking sweater on it. Being alone sucks. Being alone when you thought you’d never be alone again sucks WAY more. So how did you get here?
STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE:
Your sister has a very attractive friend who is in the same friend group as you and a few buddies. You guys are always crossing paths. She makes eye contact. You make eye contact. You blush a little. She finds out you’re into her; she has an epiphany that she’s into you. You both have different girlfriends and boyfriends. You finally hook up and things look great. Then you have a falling out, take a “break” even though you’re both not sure it was a break. You have various awkward interactions with each other, with your friends at the same coffee shop, with each other’s new significant others. You hook up again (and
again). Maybe get married in Vegas but get out of that one because alcohol is tough. Then one day she walks into your New York City apartment in the middle of your speech about not wanting her to
leave only to find out you will finally be together.
Too “Ross & Rachel” for ya? Maybe Friends isn’t your cup of tea. Maybe your relationship started more like “she likes country music” or “she likes that I wear flannel”. Regardless of how it started, it doesn’t fucking matter.
Relationships end. Not all of them, but most of them. Not just some, or half, MOST! 40% of first marriages end in divorce. 60% of second marriages end in divorce. Hell, all 8 of legendary radio host Larry King’s marriages ended in divorce (and two of those were the same woman twice). The King of the Mustache, Tom Selleck, has even been divorced. Did you really have a chance?
THE TALE OF “EDDIE & THE CHECKLIST”
There was a guy I knew back in the Army, let’s call him “Eddie”. Good dude. Solid soldier. Hilarious asshole. Terrible at relationships.
See, Eddie had a checklist for what he wanted in a partner. He didn’t write it down (or at least I don’t think he did), but he had an internal checklist that governed his entire dating life. His ideal woman?
- Hot (obviously).
- Fun (but not too fun, because, you know… ‘wife material’).
- Loyal (because his last girlfriend cheated).
- Chill (but also deeply obsessed with him).
The problem? Eddie didn’t actually know what a healthy relationship looked like. He had divorced parents who could barely be in the same room together (hell, they lived in different states), and most of his relationship wisdom came from movies where the guy always “wins” the girl with some grand romantic gesture like a boom box on the shoulder or by rushing in to crash the girl’s wedding after recently
finding out he was a prince (spoiler: real life doesn’t work that way, and your Schwartz isn’t going to take you there either).
Fast-forward: Eddie finds Ashley. Ashley is a smoke show. She’s charming, funny, and checks enough boxes for Eddie to go all in.
Within six months, they’re engaged. Six. Months. He’s convinced he’s found The One.
The cracks show almost immediately because, ya see, Ashley had her own checklist, too. And Eddie? He barely met the minimum requirements. She wanted a man who was always emotionally available.
Eddie, being a guy raised in a family where emotions were only expressed through sarcasm and hefeweizen, struggled with this.
Ashley also had a thing about social status. She loved the idea of being married to a soldier—until she realized that meant deployments, long hours, and a paycheck that wasn’t funding her dream of “Instagramworthy vacations.”
Eddie, being completely blinded by the idea of love rather than the actual work of love, ignored every single red flag, and most all of the orange or yellow ones too. Two-years later Eddie is in Iraq, and Ashley is back home… with his best friend and several other dudes. Classic.
*Advanced reads (excerpts) do not reflect the interior of the printed copy. At Tactical 16 Publishing, our professional graphic artists create beautiful interior designs with attention to every detail, making the printed copy a work of art that is easy to read.
Josh T (verified owner) –
A friend suggested I check this book out. While I have never gone through a divorce and don’t have one in the foreseeable future, this book gave me great context and allowed me to connect with friends who have been through this experience.
Corey is thoughtful and thorough as he walks through his personal journey and helps other men connect with their own.
While sometimes blunt and direct, this book seems to hit right where it needs to!
Mark Dethlefs, Mustache Grower, Perfect Steak Griller, Father –
This book is as good as how Corey looks. 10/10
Chris Mathiasen, Historian, Fellow Mustache Grower –
Corey takes a topic many men shy away from and breaks it down with humor, honesty, and just the right dose of masculinity. His take on finding purpose and navigating divorce makes this a must-read for both divorcees and regular dudes alike.
Kasey Harwick, Chief Operating Officer, Duncan Aviation –
Don’t let the title fool you. Though I cannot grow a mustache and have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for over 20 years, Grow a Mustache and Survive a Divorce is a powerful reminder of how purpose can carry us through life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s for charity or personal growth, engaging in something bigger than yourself brings, joy resilience, and connection.
Brian Moore, President, Mustaches for Kids Omaha –
Corey shows how purpose, like a well-groomed mustache, can help men through tough times.A great read that will help real men get through tough times.”