The Role of Forgiveness in Divorce
Divorce hurts, regardless of how you look at it. Your life is permanently changed, as is your children’s. You must face an infinite stream of challenges for a while. But you endure because you are aware that you must go on, and finally, you ask yourself, “How can I forgive and move forward?” The pain you are feeling due to your divorce is at the heart of this issue, and that’s why forgiving is crucial. Because divorce involves so many wounds, betrayals, and lost dreams, it’s also one of the most challenging difficulties to overcome while recovering after divorce. Therefore, let’s learn more about the role of forgiveness in divorce. We begin by explaining what forgiveness is.
What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness implies different things to every one of us. But generally speaking, it means consciously letting go of resentment and anger. The person or thing who injured or humiliated you could always be with you. But, you may loosen the grasp that behavior has on you by working on your forgiveness. It also helps release you from the grip of the person who hurt you. Occasionally, forgiving someone inspires compassion, understanding, and empathy for the person who injured you. However, forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the wrongdoing done to you. It also doesn’t always entail making amends with the person that hurt you. Instead, forgiveness gives a particular type of tranquility by allowing you to focus on yourself and continue your life.
What is the role of forgiveness in divorce?
Forgiving can be challenging, depending on the circumstances and problems at hand. However, while going through an extremely tough and traumatic event, forgiving could be one of the most significant and probably most powerful feelings you could have. To help you understand what it could mean to forgive your ex-spouse, here are some benefits of forgiveness in divorce:
Forgiveness teaches you to set healthy boundaries
By forgiving, we set healthy boundaries and avoid saying or implying that what was done to us was okay. The best approach to ensure that you are never hurt by someone again is not to hold a grudge. Being upfront about what you are and are not prepared to do as you move forward is a stronger, better mindset.
You can regain control over your life by forgiving
There are several approaches to forgiving someone during a divorce. For many individuals, some of these approaches will be more effective than others. However, forgiving others may be uplifting during a divorce, regardless of the method. Why? Because many believe they lose control of their life during and after a divorce. In truth, they still control their feelings and thoughts over the whole process. They just need to realize these facts, and forgiveness can help. The ability to consciously let go and move on can help a person’s future, and this new chapter in their life be free from any influence from past hurts or even the ex-spouse themself. As a result, the role of forgiveness in divorce is to help you regain control over your life.
Forgiveness can change your perspective
When we can accept other people as they are and give up on trying to change them, it frequently changes how we relate to them, what we demand from them, and how much we need to be able to forgive them. If there is no expectation that they are anything other than who they truly are, having a realistic perspective of another person will help reduce anger and resentment toward them. You might even realize that there is nothing to forgive and that the truth was lying in front of you all this time. You just needed to see it.
Forgiving will keep you healthy
During a divorce, your mental and physical health suffers. You are stressed, anxious, can’t sleep, can’t eat, and feel like you are falling apart bit by bit. According to research, when we practice forgiveness, we lessen these intense emotions, which lowers our heart rate, blood pressure, and general stress levels. At the same time, it reduces our level of exhaustion, tension, and inner conflict. Perhaps it even improves our ability to sleep at night. As the saying goes: “ Never go to bed angry!” Therefore, set your priorities and practice forgiveness, and you will have a healthy mind and body to get you through your most difficult times.
Forgiveness in divorce will help your children
Nobody gains from spending time with someone resentful and hostile toward others, especially if it’s someone they care about. Therefore, you may set a positive example for your kids by trying to refrain from talking negatively about or toward your ex-spouse. It’s a simple technique to reduce their stress and make it easier for them to benefit from their interactions with both parents. As a result, you will have happier kids wanting to spend more time with you.
Forgiveness gives you closure
Deciding to let go of your hatred and bitterness against your ex-spouse is similar to wrapping your divorce in pretty packing paper. You may peacefully shut that door by stating that you can forget the mistakes made in your previous relationship. Again, you won’t experience total forgiveness instantly. But if you work on it daily, you’ll get there sooner than expected.
Forgiveness will help you avoid a messy divorce
If you can forgive your ex-spouse, reaching an agreement with them will be much easier. And that can be vital when you want a fast and clean divorce that will leave as few marks as possible. On the other hand, the more you argue and disagree with your former partner, the messier your divorce might become. So what do you choose? The decision is entirely up to you!
Closing thoughts
While forgiveness doesn’t require forgetting, it does give you a chance to be free. In truth, forgiveness is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer yourself during the divorce process. It won’t always be simple, just like everything else, but you’ll find it gratifying. So never overlook the importance of forgiveness in divorce. Your future life depends on it!
Author bio: Lisa Perry is a divorce survivor and single mom navigating the often-turbulent journey of post-divorce life. Lisa is writing and working with Bright Futures Treatment Center experts to help others find their light at the end of the tunnel.
Meta: Do you know the role of forgiveness in divorce? If not, learn from this article the great benefits forgiveness can bring.
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When A Relationship Ends Abruptly – What To Do
One can go into full-blown shock when the other person abruptly ends your relationship. Even if there were a few hints something was amiss, it is still a shock. Hard to believe this is happening. As far as the other person is concerned, there is not much you can do. If they made up their mind to break it off, it is done.
Harder when the decision was made and you were not notified. You see then at work, a social event, their musical gig, whatever and find out at the same time as everyone else. They may take great pains to ignore you. Maybe are dramatic and turn their back if you get nearby. Not cool when done publicly at a gathering.
Of course, you would like an explanation and not be playing guessing games in your head. This may never happen. It is difficult when there are loose threads. In both cases – whether you got an explanation or were ghosted – closure is needed. Easier to move on when there is a clear-cut ending in your mind.
Accept what happened is final. Wishing for a reunion keeps you attached to them and is it not going to happen. You are wasting time and energy on this fantasy. This mental connection prevents one from moving on.
The big thing about an abrupt ending is not having closure. Since there is no communication, you cannot be sure if it was something you did or if got dropped for a new love interest. One is left hanging. If someone is upset that should be discussed. If a boundary was crossed into a no-go area, then at least you would understand why there is an ending. It is childish for them to do silence.
Emotionally getting through this situation
Spend a day really feeling your grief. Cry, wail, scream, curse or whatever else you feel needs expressing. You are experiencing a loss, a death of a relationship. Concentrate on dealing with it being over. Later as time moves on, you can appreciate the fun times. You got some life lessons from this episode.
Rally your support system around you. Call or go out with friends. Talk it out with them. Have some fun. Try a new café.
Get out in nature. Take walks in leafy areas. Exercise releases pent up energy and anxiety. One feels better after a run when the endorphins are increased. Getting a physical work out calms nerves and helps one be able to deal with this situation.
What to do or not do
Do not contact them no matter how tempting it is to text or call. This is giving them power to reject you again.
If they call, do not answer it. Go ahead and listen to their message later, if you want. If a text is sent, do not respond. If you cannot resist, then say “I accept that you ended our relationship. I am moving on now.”
They may beg for a second chance and promise to change. That would be short-lived and the disrespect would creep back in again. If they were really into you, this would not have happened in the first place.
There is a void – empty space inside of you from their departure. Fill it up. When one removes a dead tree, they do not leave a big hole. It is filled in with a plant or something else. Plant something else inside of you. Take up a new activity. Join a MeetUp.com group and expand your social network.
Getting into a new environment can help. You are not running into them or dealing with as many triggers. Travel to an enticing destination on your bucket list. The point is not to allow them to dwell in your head.
Ending a relationship abruptly is disrespectful and not valuing you. Do you really want a relationship where you are not cherished and it is all about them? No!! You deserve much more. Move on to someone who will appreciate you.
Reviving A Long-Term Relationship
Tips on how to add sparkle to a long-term relationship and avoid a divorce. Before calling it quits, explore different ways to bring the relationship back to life. Does your marriage feel like a prison sentence? Boredom and being in a rut can make a marriage seem dull and lifeless. Hints on how to revive your marriage.
Several couples took up golf together with the added bonus of improving their game in foreign locales. See if you can build upon a common interest – plus it gives you both something to talk about. Some couples have bought a holiday home and renovating it reignited the spark in their marriages.
Go out to a neutral place, such as a café and have a respectful conversation about your feelings. Use “I” statements, “I feel…” without blame or accusations. Intently listen to his responses and what he feels could be changed in your marriage.
S00metimes people rely too much on their spouse for companionship and to meet their social needs. The happiest couples I know each have some individual pursuits and interests outside of their relationships. Consider widening your social network through such groups as MeetUp.com to enrich your life and to see if this improves your marriage.
Take a vacation together to provide time to talk in a pleasant atmosphere. It may be easier to have structured group time, such as being on a tour or cruise. Then there is a balance between interacting with others and having alone time. Getting away from your routines and environment, plus having a lot to talk about can realign a relationship.
If you have been drifting apart and pass each other as two ships in the night – plan for couple time. Each week, alternate who selects the agenda for a night out. What fun trying new restaurants, attending concerts and seeing films. Some celebrities have claimed they split up due to lack of time together.
Put yourselves in each other’s shoes to see a new perspective to the other’s point of view. Is there validity to their complaints? Some couples have come up with this compromise – each stopping an annoying habit. One husband habitually threw his towel and clothes on the floor. The wife’s cosmetics and lotions covered the bathroom counter. Each spouse ceased the aggravating behavior and now have been married for over two decades.
Sometimes a partner has to leave for a period of time to really think things through. They may choose a work sabbatical or live in a distant land to determine if they should stay or divorce. Some have to get out of their place to gain clarity for their situation.
You may want to get legal advice and have a trial separation handled by an attorney. This formal separation may become the first step to a divorce.
If there is abuse – get out of the situation quickly. A domestic violence shelter can advise one how to extricate herself in the best way from an abusive spouse.
Consider marital counselling with your spouse. It can show you how to communicate more effectively which is important both in marriage or divorce. The Retrouvaille Program has weekend retreats for couples to get their marriages back on track. If divorce is imminent, then counselling helps a couple to have an easier time parting ways.
Divorce does not have to be the end of a relationship, but rather a change in it.
Situationship – Being In The Middle Ground When Dating
Do you feel you are neither in the friend zone or in the romantic one? Confused about what is happening in your relationship – or even if you are in one? You are caught in the middle ground which is called situationship.
What are the signs of situationship?
Lack of commitment
It is being in a relationship without commitment. People go out together – even exclusively – and there does not seem to be a future. Spontaneity is fun. Great to do things on the spur of the moment. It keeps life exciting, unless this is how it is always. These people usually do not make plans ahead of time. Cannot commit to a date next week. When plans are made for a later time, they often bow out. The future is not mentioned. It is one thing to live in the moment, another to be stuck there., They use the word “sometime.” “Would you like to go dancing/hiking (whatever) sometime?” You answer with an enthusiastic “Yes” and nothing is planned. The future is not discussed.
In regular dating relationships, there is forward movement. Although one person may go at a slower pace, the relationship still progresses. In situationship – it is on standstill.
Lack of commitment shows up in other areas. It may seem like you both are getting closer: talking in depth about your pasts, career goals and so forth. When you start intimating more contact, they step backwards. It is a dance which they want to lead. People in situationship do not want to be pinned down. They crave their freedom, yet still have someone they can call when feel like going out. It is a way to avoid closeness which can lead (in their minds) to dating drama.
Inconsistency
What is frustrating is the inconsistency – you may go out several times in one week, and nearly a month, goes by before the next date. There is no agenda or routine schedule. There is little or no contact between dates. These individuals rarely initiate a text. They can be good at responding., which is easier than generating one. They may answer in minutes and later take days to respond.
You are doing most of the work in this relationship. Phone calls may only be when they have not heard from you in a while and are asking you out at the last minute. Tone of texts can be flirty or almost rude. Hard to figure out where you stand in this relationship.
Incongruity between body language and words
In situationship where you are is undefined. The verbal may be incongruent with the non-verbal (actions). Warm kisses on the lips, or even sex, do not go with their behaviour. They do not go out regularly with you and are silent between dates. They snuggle with you in booths, give plenty of hugs and kisses and throw in some complements. This can be refereed to as crumbs. Enough to keep you interested, but not a main course. They are treating you romantically while saying you are “Just Friends.”
It is confusing when their friends seem to think you are a couple or ask you how long the two of you have been dating. Hard to answer when not really knowing if this is considered dating. Perhaps you like their friends and are part of the other’s inner circle.
What to do
Have a discussion of your needs and expectations. Express what you are feeling, “I’m into you – very attracted.” Let them respond, pause as long as it takes to get an answer. In one case, the man’s reply was “I am not ready to take this further.” Yes, vague, but something. She is not sure if that means for this entire decade or for the next few months. Communication is important in situationship.
When being told you are “just friends” for many months, consider dating again when an opportunity arises. This can help you become less fixated on the situationship which is going nowhere.
Questions to ask yourself
Are you getting anything out of it?
Are you better with or without them?
The answers help determine if you want to enjoy the relationship for what it is or if it is time to move on. People’s self-worth can be negatively affected, particularly if they feel there is a flaw within themselves. People coming out of a toxic marriage may feel they are not worthy of anything more and accept what is happening. Be aware of your mental health, and if feeling depressed or anxious, think about making an exit. Keep in mind, you are in a situationship because of the other person, not you. They are fearful, have a traumatic history, attachment disorder, or whatever it is.
One example where it does work out is this. A woman in a situationship with a musician, realized she enjoys going to his gigs and dancing. She has fun going out for pizza periodically in-between times. She decided to stay with the man, but start dating again. She has had several dates so far, and life is fun and fulfilling for her. There is no right or wrong answer, it is what ever is best for you.
Tips For Making A Long-Distance Dating Relationship Work
Long-distance dating relationships can be challenging. Easier to keep the passion high when you can call up your partner and say “Hey, come right over.” Long-distance requires planning, not spontaneity. Many people who have been through these types of relationships, say it was worth the separation. Being sure of each other’s commitment got them through this period.
Long-distance take extra effort to keep them alive. One person might be doing more in the reaching out and this can become frustrating. Logistics have to be factored in, who is travelling and who is not. It is one thing when in the same locale, to decide who pays. Quite another when getting together requires serious money. An example is Harry, who moved and had a six-year long-distance relationship. He resented paying 100% of transportation costs for them both. No give and take financially. Eventually Harry thought about how in other areas of their relationship he was his doing most of the work. Although relationships are rarely 50-50, there has to be somewhat of a balance.
People in long-distance relationships mention how getting together in short bursts is more like being in Disneyland. Fantasy vs reality. It is like being on a holiday, doing fun activities. While this may be fine for some, others want a relationship on a deeper level.
People brought up that they missed or ignored red flags in a long-distance relationship. They concentrated on having fun instead. They dealt with the cracks when these could no longer be ignored. A local relationship could have been patched up or ended sooner. Nip problems in the bud before they get huge. Your partner is not a mind reader, so bring them up.
The Pros
Distance allows commitment to be gradual. One is more conscious of it and makes a choice instead of falling into it. You decide to be a couple and less likely to take the other person for granted. When dating in town, one can fall into a pattern. On Friday night we do this, on Sunday we go out for brunch. When living in different locales, one is not in a predictable schedule or rut.
Being apart forces one to build a stable foundation. The relationship may be moving at a slower pace. One man said there are less triggers to get to him in his long-distance relationship as are in past local ones. He also said that they met on different levels before initiating physical intimacy. One was getting to know each other spiritually. They did not jump into bed right away, as what happens when dating locally. He feels they really got to know each other first before having sex.
Tips for making it work
Communication is imperative. Be conscious of word choice. Are they expressing your intention and exact emotion? Easier to give a more ambiguous communication when not done in person. Emails and texting can seem blunt without vocal quality.
Be aware of your own emotions
Other emotions can come through subconsciously with communication such as hostility or resentment. If you are angry, disappointed, then express them using “I” statements. “I feel hurt when you take several days to answer a text.” Be direct and not sarcastic.
Keep in touch, even if a quick text “Thinking of you. Hope your day is great.”
If becoming serious, discuss where to live together. A US man with a girlfriend in Norway, advises finding neutral territory to settle. They are looking for a city which fits both of their needs. Others may want to move to a place where one of them lives, especially if that person has children. Some couples live in different loculations indefinitely and spend time blocks together. One couple does six weeks together and six weeks apart. This is working fine. Discuss if there is a time table for when living together. Or, if commuting is desirable for you both.
Flexibility is a plus in a long-distance relationship
Here is an example with a happy ending. Matthew and Elizabeth became a couple when they attended university. Matthew went on to law school and Elizabeth studied to be an ophthalmologist in different cities. She had internships in various places during the summer months when Matthew did not have law school. He stayed with her during that time for three years. Elizabeth managed to get one in Matthew’s hometown. They got together at other times during the year. The long-distance part of their relationship for lasted three years. They are blissfully married with two children. When a couple is committed to make it work, it can.
Relationship PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Portrait Of Young Shy Couple Sitting On Sofa At Home
Trauma from past relationships affects a current one. The person may do the hot/cold dance – wanting to get closer, yet afraid of being burned again. Not only is relationship PTSD traumatic for the individual, but also to the other in the relationship. The person with PTSD can be afraid to acknowledge even to themselves, deep feelings – as this has led to heartbreak previously.
UK ‘s National Health Service (NHS) defines PTSD as an “anxiety disorder caused by very stressful or distressing events.” People with PTSD have high levels of stress hormones. When danger is perceived, the body produces adrenaline to trigger the fight or flight reaction. “People with PTSD have been found to continue to produce high amounts of fight or flight hormones even when there is no danger.”
How PTSD Manifests
In relationships, the person may bolt when things are getting serious. They are okay at the beginning – the Getting To Know You stage. When simple requests/demands are voiced by their dating partner, it can be overwhelming. “Do I stay and face a risk of rejection (whatever the trigger is)?” This person dances into a relationship, then dances right out again. Or keeps the partner at an arm’s length. You might be kept in the friend zone or friends with benefits one without a commitment.
The individual with relationship PTSD can be self-medicating with either drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or all three. This is to numb themselves and tamp down emotions. It feels more comfortable to put up an emotional blockade around themselves. If they are like a zombie, then there is no opening for trauma to sneak in. This is a faulty protection mechanism which is harmful to relationships. Insomnia is another problem for those with this PTSD. Some get flashbacks whether or not in a new relationship.
A person with dating PTSD is trying to avoid being hurt again. Also tries to avoid repeating patterns which led to the trauma -being left behind and heartbreak. The Lehigh Center for Clinical Research in Allentown, PA, USA states “Avoidance is a common symptom of PTSD. If you avoid communicating with your partner about important matters such as your feelings, because building a wall to protect yourself is easier, then you may be suffering from PTSD from your last toxic relationship.”
One man, Peter, had three traumatic dating relationships in a row and developed PTSD, complete with flashbacks. He opted not to date for 10 years. He became an alcoholic trying to deal with this trauma. Attending AA meetings gave him support dealing with his life. Now he is living with a fabulous woman.
What to do when dating a survivor of PTSD
- Go Slowly.
- Be Patient
- Learn when to pull back. They may crawl into their cave when the relationship is getting too intense.
- Give them space. They not initiate contact for a few weeks.
- Allow time to build a firm foundation. Then they can begin to trust you bit by bit.
It is a delicate balancing act
Pushing to get closer scares them away. Too little leaves them guessing if you are about to do a runner, which may have led to PTSD from previous relationship. Consider sending a short, to the point text “How is your day going?” or when something notable occurs. “I didn’t get the job” or “My short story won a prize.” Responding is easier than generating a text.
Have a full life
When you are busy, your mind is focused on these activities and less likely to be dwelling on the frustration of this dating relationship. You are more interesting and enticing when you do get together. They can laugh and wonder what antics/classes/events you are up to next. Your full life gives fuel for conversations. Taking improv acting classes, having fun at karaoke an d so forth, helps you seem different from previous dating partners where trauma occurred,
You may have to accept their pattern of being there and then backing away. No one can change another person. One can express needs with “I” statements. “I need you to text or call at least once a week.” “I want to get together at least every other week.”
Questions to ask yourself
- Are you getting frustrated with the dance backwards and forwards?
- Are you getting something out of the relationship?
- Are the good times outweighing the disappearing act?
- Are you feeling secure in the relationship?
- Are you both able to discuss personal history, problems, worries, etc?
- Are they focused on you when you are speaking?
- How strongly do you feel about them? In love? Or is it lust or merely a fascination?
Your dating partner is operating from fear. Fear is their reality. They are looking for indications that they may be mistreated again. You may be able to slowly build trust and have a successful relationship. Communication is imperative. Give it your all, and then if you need to bail, you know you did everything that you could. There is hope that after a bumpy start, your relationship can be successful.
How Single Parents Can Better Manage Stress
Life can be stressful for single parents and their kids. For parents, there is financial stress, job stress, interpersonal stress, and the overarching stress of having to raise the kids alone. For kids, there is a completely different type of stress – fear of the unknown and feeling self-conscious about coming of age without their mother or father in the picture. As a single parent, it’s hard to manage it all.
Here are some tips to help give you some ideas on how to minimize stress.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
The first tip is likely the hardest, but it’s something you must strive toward. Single parents often set high expectations for themselves – often too high. However hard it may be, try to cut yourself some slack. Despite any shortcomings, you’re doing the best you can.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
The seemingly obvious way to reduce stress is to remove the stressor from your life. Unfortunately, when it comes to managing a single-parent household, this isn’t always an option. So take steps to alleviate the effects of that stress instead. This is where relaxation techniques come into play.
Meditation can be very effective. Listen to guided meditations or try to focus on whatever brings you inner peace. Simply put, meditation is being mindful in the moment.
You can repeat a mantra, or you can just be in the moment consumed by your present surroundings. If your kids are old enough, you can even get them in on the practice. As Psychology Today points out, meditation is scientifically proven to boost all the best parts of life while removing negativity.
When you’re meditating, make sure you’re in a quiet space in your home to promote relaxation. Wearing comfortable clothes like leggings and a roomy T-shirt can also help you focus.
Get Your Kids Involved
You’re not being a bad parent if you want some free time. You need it if you want to keep your sanity. One way to increase your alone time is to get your kids involved in activities. After-school clubs, sports, community arts groups — you can find an organization that specializes in facilitating the exploration of their interests.
Cultivate their love for community service and volunteering by registering for animal welfare or environmental organizations. If your child is athletic, team sports are a great way for them to meet new people and encounter new role models. Talk to your kids about their interests, and there will surely be something they’d love to get involved in.
Foster a Stress-Free Home Environment
You spend most of your time at home, so it’s naturally going to have a lot of impact on your stress level. A messy, disorganized home is a stressful home. Even if you aren’t a super tidy person, excess clutter can be a problem. This is especially true for a family run by a single parent who is already busy. Take some time to fully declutter your home from top to bottom so it’s more manageable. You can also use some sensory tips and tricks to reduce stress. Plants, essential oils, aromatherapy candles, and natural light can help people feel relaxed. Open those curtains and let the sun shine in.
As a single parent, you are managing a family alone. There’s no way around that. There will be a lot of stress to deal with — both your own and that of your kids. Try to combat this stress by getting your kids involved in engaging activities, making sure you have a clean, organized, calming home environment, and setting some time aside to practice relaxation exercises.
Author Janice Russell believes the only way to survive parenthood is to find the humor in it. She created Parenting Disasters so that parents would have a go-to resource whenever they needed a laugh, but also to show parents they aren’t alone. She wants every frazzled parent out there to remember that for every kid stuck in a toilet, there’s another one out there somewhere who’s just graced their parents’ walls with some Sharpie artwork!
Grief May Surprise You After Divorce Or A Break Up
One may think they are over their relationship or got past divorce and later feel the loss. Grief can sneak up on you and catch you by surprise. It is like swimming in calm waters and a big wave comes up and slaps you hard. It takes time to mourn a marriage or love interest. One day you are fine and the next in tears. It can be lonely at first. Grief comes in stages and one can move back and forth between them.
Denial
This is avoiding the situation. Pretending that things are not happening. Not dealing with reality, such as thinking if you do not hire an attorney, then the divorce will not happen. Or he/she will come to their senses and stay with you. It is delusional thinking. Denial may be manifested as carrying on as usual with the same routines as if nothing is happening.
Anger
This is when a person realizes denial is not stopping the divorce or a break up. The other person is firm, “It is over.” They have collected any personal belongings at your place and have dropped off yours. In a divorce situation, it is no longer possible to deny the divorce is happening. Papers are served. The other party’s attorney has contacted you or perhaps a court date has been set. One is furious that their life is in such an upheaval. Anger can have one reacting instead of responding. Reacting is impulsive and not thinking with a clear head.
Anger can lead to revenge – such as using the children as weapons. Too often in the news, a parent kills the children in a divorce situation to get back at the other one. It can be trashing a spouse’s reputation on social media.
Bargaining
It is hoping that if you change your behavior then the divorce or break up will be stopped. One may try and make a deal with the other person. “I can change. I won’t do (whatever annoyed them) anymore.” Or with a marriage, “I will agree to a divorce if we go to a weekend retreat to try and patch up our relationship.”
Being in the bargaining stage is acknowledging the situation which is not done in the denial stage. It is moving along in the grief process. It is wishing for a miracle to happen.
Depression
Depression in grief is not the same as the chronic clinical one. Rather, it is numbness. Feeling as if stumbling around in slow motion. There may be brain fog or lethargy. The body is worn out from having the strong surge of emotions from earlier in the divorce process. These ranged from shock, panic to despair. It can be a time to take a pause and nurture yourself. The stress hormones, such as cortisol, have flooded one’s body. This quieter time can be a way to chill out and regroup.
Acceptance
This last stage might come during the proceedings or a bit later. One has come to terms with what happened – no longer being married. When it is a break up, finally realizing that person is no longer in your life. One acknowledges the loss and begins to look ahead to the future. A new chapter is opening in life which can include changing careers or relocation. Taking up new challenges and hobbies. It is a time of exploration – whether it is a self-assessment or travel to enticing destinations. Time to start a new chapter in your life. Many of us change careers.
This is based on my article published in the Divorce Magazine out of Toronto.
10 Signs it Might be Time to Talk to a Divorce Attorney
Marriages are complex relationships that have ups and downs. According to the APA, 40 to 50 % of husband and wife in the United States takes divorce. This complicates the choice to divorce. In today’s post, we’ll go over some of the most typical warning signs that your marriage is on the verge of divorce, as well as when it’s appropriate to contact Divorce Lawyers Toowoomba
1. You’re getting into a lot of fights.
Disagreements may be a good aspect of a marriage if they are used to negotiate and grow. Unfortunately, harmful behaviour such as blaming, name-calling, and even emotional or physical violence may occur during fights. If your disputes with your spouse are becoming increasingly heated, it may be time to explore a change.
A famous relationship researcher, John Gottman, discovered that he could predict if a couple will divorce with 93 per cent accuracy. According to him, it all boils down to four behaviours: criticism, defensiveness, disdain, and defensiveness.
If these activities are normal in your relationship and you’ve tried and failed to prevent them, it’s an indication that your marriage is on the verge of falling apart.
2. Your children are suffering as a result of this.
Children are extremely sensitive, particularly when it comes to the persons in their life who are the most precious to them. For many couples who are unhappy in their relationships, it takes a detrimental influence on their children for them to recognise it is time to make a change. If your child has observed several conflicts between you and your partner, you may want to consider the influence of watching this conflict on them.
It has been shown that, in certain cases, children’s emotional well-being increases after their parent’s divorce.
According to one research, 82 per cent of children who have suffered family breakdowns would desire that their parents divorce if they are unhappy. Most parents want to model good relationships for their children; if yours has been less-than-healthy recently, it may be time to consider the next step.
3. Your self-esteem has collapsed.
Is your spouse supportive and appreciative of your greatest attributes, or is he or she critical of you? Everyone has the right to feel comfortable about themselves, particularly in the context of their marriage.
Even if you feel valued by your partner, persistent disagreement inside a relationship can sometimes make people feel inadequate to live up to the standards of a healthy marriage. If your self-esteem has recently suffered, it might be a sign that you are not in the ideal relationship.
4. Your values are the opposite.
Perhaps you had huge aspirations before you married, but they died out when you found your partner didn’t share them. It’s also normal for couples to admit their differences at first and then expect they’ll ultimately get on the same page; perhaps this was the case in your relationships, and you couldn’t meet in the middle.
Opposite thinking and values, regardless of the situation, may produce a lot of difficulties in a relationship and make it difficult to imagine a future together. If you want a large family but your partner does not want children, you may find it difficult to reconcile your opposing desires.
This may be a good moment to take a step back and consider whether you’re prepared to compromise in order to continue in your relationship.
5. The negatives overshadow the positives.
A hard patch is one thing; every partnership goes through them from time to time. On the other hand, if you constantly feel as if a dark cloud is hovering over your marriage, you may want to reconsider. Which issue is more complicated when you list the positives and negatives of your relationship? Approach this with a cool mind and evaluate recent life events and challenges that may be affecting your relationship right now.
6. You two have grown apart.
Sometimes partners begin life on the same road but wind up with opposing ambitions. “You either evolve together, or you grow away,” as the phrase goes. If you and your partner don’t have the same connection you did when you first met, it might cause big problems in your relationships.
The emotional distance between couples can make communicating your wishes and needs to each other challenging. To make matters worse, a lack of communication has regularly been identified as one of the leading reasons for divorce. If you and your partner feel as if you are no longer communicating with each other, you may want to consider divorce seriously.
7. You’ve made changes, but nothing has changed.
Many couples give counselling a go before calling it quits. Some people also strive to make small changes in their everyday lives that will make them both happier. If you believe you’ve done everything and nothing has strengthened your relationship, it might be a sign that you’ve exhausted all choices and should contemplate divorce. Nobody wants to remain miserable for the rest of their lives; you have to draw the line someplace.
8. A Partner is Having an Extramarital Affair
For some people, infidelity means the end of a marriage. They are unable to forgive their partner for having an affair. Some couples can overcome infidelity and maintain a devoted relationship.
If your partner wants to be with the individual, the marriage is gone. It is a clear indication that it’s time to talk to a divorce attorney.
9. Trust Issues
Another pillar of a happy marriage is trust. You must have faith in your spouse to remain faithful and make decisions that are in the family’s best interests. It might be difficult to reestablish trust if your spouse refuses to accept his or her role in losing it.
Trust is supported with respect. It may be tough to sustain a marriage if your partner does not appreciate you. Because of a lack of trust and respect, you may struggle with a variety of difficulties, including investment choices, child-raising decisions, and job choices.
10. Intimacy is lacking.
A lack of emotional and physical closeness indicates a developing loss of interest in the relationship. It might be a sign that your partnership is in danger if you feel more like roommates than two individuals in love.
Taking the Next Move
When you begin to explore divorce, you should speak with a family divorce attorney who can clarify your alternatives. If you have a cooperative partner, you may have a Friendly Divorce and guarantee that each partner’s financial and emotional requirements are fulfilled. It’s critical to find a family law attorney that listens to you and advocates for your rights so you can feel like your old self again in no time.
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If you are considering divorce, information is critical in determining how to proceed. Family Lawyers in Toowoomba provides a 100% private, no-obligation, fixed-fee first consultation with Divorce Lawyers in Toowoomba to discuss your case and explore your choices. If you need our help preparing for a divorce, please contact us, and we will gladly lead you through the procedure at your pace.
Divorce Or Break Up After the Holidays
People who are only staying together for the sake of the kids may find holidays extra challenging. A parent who was trying to stay married until at least her youngest daughter was close to going to college planned a cruise over Christmas. Yes, she only had to be with her spouse in a festive group setting, but the cruise only slightly delayed the inevitable. She filed for divorce the following February long before her target date. The holiday cruise was merely a distraction from her toxic marriage, not a solution.
The holidays can shine a spotlight on problems which are bubbling up just under the surface. Busy day to day activities with a packed schedule can mask issues that are not being addressed. When one or both have long job commutes or kids with jammed agendas, this enables a couple to pretend that everything is okay. When interacting with each other (or attempting to avoid it) during holiday time off from work, spouses can feel empty inside. When holidays are lonelier being married than they ever were when single, this is a warning that something needs to be done. Holidays can be the big wakeup call that you really do not want to be with your partner for the next set of holidays the following December.
After a few excruciating New Year’s Eves with her husband, a woman thought over their relationship. Coming to the realization that she did not ever want to be alone with him, pushed her into ending her marriage. Although now divorced, her solo New Year’s Eves are something she anticipates rather than dreads.
The holidays are over and people are thinking about New Year resolutions or changes that they want to make in their lives. This introspection is one reason that divorce solicitors and mediators are extra busy in January and February. Feeling hollow and that the holidays were lacking something, can point that all is not well with an area in life. If things are going fine at work, with kids and so forth, then look at your marriage. Some spouses do not see that they are avoiding each other by participating in a whirlwind of holiday events.
The holidays may have highlighted some hidden issues, so see if your relationship can be salvaged. Talk to your spouse about your relationship to determine if they are also having questions or issues. Some do this when walking which makes it easier to open up without having to make eye contact. Others may choose to discuss their relationship at the pub or over a glass of wine. If things are not resolved, consider marital counselling. If your spouse refuses to do so, then go alone.
13 Reasons Why You’re Single And What To Do About It
When you are successful in your professional life because you’ve worked hard at it, it stands to reason that working hard at your love life in the same way will lead to the same result, right? So why aren’t your efforts yielding the desired outcomes? Why are you still single?
The following checklist will help you uncover 13 possible reasons and what to do about it. However, don’t let this list be a source of despair, because there is a solution!
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You don’t really believe there are great single men out there. Perhaps you think all men are just after 1 thing… Limiting belief systems are like sets of tinted glasses through which you view an altered reality, selectively seeking out and focusing on what you deem to be true to support your idea of reality.
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You are following the same destructive pattern by dating the same guy with a different face over and over again. We all know what the definition of insanity is, right? You need to start doing things differently if you want a different result.
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You are holding on to your past: The secret to closing the door on your past is letting go with love and forgiveness. If you don’t let go of your past it will destroy your future. But it’s not so easy, is it? (See point 1…)
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You are scared. You may have a fear of dating, of falling in love, being emotionally attached, trusting someone, losing someone close to you. You are not alone! Pretty much everyone seems to be affected by some degree of fear of social rejection, and this fear can be debilitating. It keeps you from taking action and tricks you into believing that you are better off staying in your comfort zone and striving to be happy there and not facing the fact that you are indeed miserable.
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You have Expectations! Oh NO! You have this perfect image of who you want to date and be in a relationship with and, try as you might not to, you expect your date to fit a certain type of pre-defined criteria. 100% chance of things going wrong – and you know it, but you still….
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Self-esteem issues anyone? If you are looking to enter into a healthy relationship it is best to start developing a healthy relationship with yourself first and foremost. ‘Like’ attracts ‘like’. We think we can hide low self-esteem but it shows up in so many unattractive ways. If you don’t think you’re worthy, how can someone else think so?
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Confidence. Closely related to the above, but worthy of its own point. Confidence is the key to dating success. If you aren’t confident about your worth, why would you expect someone else should take time out of their busy schedule to get to know you better?
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Boundaries! Boundaries are sexy and they tell men that you are valuable. Boundaries are evidence of high standards and values, indicate healthy self-esteem, and attract people who recognise what you live by and expect those close to you to live by. Even the most confident and successful career-woman can be tempted to loosen those boundaries to ‘keep a man’. If you are one of those, then you will always be someone else’s doormat.
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You don’t think you can be truly fulfilled without a partner, and it shows. There’s nothing attractive about that at best, and at worst it reeks of desperation. You should be living a full social life doing things you love doing with the friends and family you adore. Relationships flourish in the right social environment.
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You underappreciate the allure of your feminine energy. Many of us are out of touch with our dominant feminine energy and therefore lead unbalanced lives. Men are attracted to femininity and don’t respond well to masculine women in a romantic environment.
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You lack commitment in the area of love and relationships. You can still be living a full life, enjoy a successful career and be committed to finding a relationship. Yes you can indeed have it all! It shouldn’t drop off your ‘to do’ list in favour of chance. Where your energy goes, that’s where you go…or stay.
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You are dating from a mind-set of scarcity. You can’t imagine finding anyone, let alone opening your eyes to the abundance of choice that will become available to you when you turn that mind-set inside out and go forward with an ‘abundance mind-set’. I know it’s easier to sit back and wait for destiny to come knocking, but sorry, that’s not how it works. You therefore need to get out there and start creating choice in your love life.
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Singles are finding dating tough and telling each other just how tough it is. Well it’s tough because we are losing our social competence, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. Work on your interpersonal and face-to-face communication and conversation skills, work at being approachable – and you will be.
Perhaps you need some help?
The fact is that when it comes to your love life, the ‘work hard’ approach is clearly not enough, and if you don’t address the above, it often only leads to disappointment and frustration.
You need to stop and think about doing things differently! You know you need a new approach – and you need it now, because your intimate love relationship will affect pretty much every other area of your life. It will determine your happiness, fulfillment and overall quality of life more than any of your career success or achievements ever will.
So what are you to do if you are serious about having a loving and lasting relationship with someone amazing? Find yourself a reputable Love Coach to support and love you every step of the way. To your success in love!
Author of article is Bonita Grobbelaar. Biography: Relationships and the way we embark on them have changed, and Bonita Grobbelaar believes in helping her clients to do the work from the inside out. Women who have succeeded in all areas of their life but love, have benefited from consulting with Bonita. She puts her clients back in the drivers’ seat of their lives, and helps them to map out a journey to their intended destination in love.
A believer that all women not only deserve, but are fundamentally entitled to a life they love, in the company of a solid partner through the good and the bad, Bonita specialises in guiding and supporting successful women around the globe towards healthy, lasting relationships.
Her industry experience spans over a decade, and during this time, Bonita has helped thousands of women to find and keep love. Her own experiences saw Bonita living through ten years of negative dating and a failed marriage. Questioning the reasons for this led her to a journey of great self-discovery, where probing and testing brought her to the revelation of why all areas of her life, except love, were successful.
Today, Bonita is happily married and has two daughters. She experiences deep gratitude for a life she loves daily, and teaches her clients how to apply what she has learned, to help them find balance and relationship success in their own lives. www.lovecoachbonita.com
Join my NEXT FREE workshop: Unlock Lasting Love, Without Relying On Online Dating: bit.ly/UnlockLastingLove Find time in my calendar that suits you best and let’s figure out what’s stopping you from finding the love you want and how to change that: lovecoachbonita.com/apply/
What Should You do if your partner is a bully during your divorce
Divorce, in normal terms, is an agreement where both parties agree on terms and conditions in order to get separated. Well, generally there is the consent of both the spouses and their families while taking the divorce. However, there is not always an ending with the mutual consent one of the spouses makes it difficult by being a bully. Of course, you need to hire a family law attorney Salt Lake City or divorce law attorney California in order to secure yourself from being bullied.
Hiring an attorney is definitely helpful yet there are some measures you can take if you find out that you are being bullied by your spouse and settle on mutual grounds that are helpful for both the parties.
Protect yourself with mental harassment
There are times when you may feel that your partner is crossing the limits and becoming abusive and you may feel threatened. Well, both mental and physical abuse is illegal in most countries. You can file a complaint against your spouse in any matter you feel harassed or if you are being threatened.
Create a supportive network around you that can help you and work as a witness as it is difficult to recognize that you are the victim of abuse and keep them approachable to help you out.
Consult your divorce lawyer
You must consult and inform each and everything to your divorce lawyer Salt Lake City. Of course, your partner being a bully does not want to communicate with you, then you must let your lawyer communicate. You must be confident enough to inform everything to your lawyer as your lawyer will understand the situation and will not let you get into the uncomfortable zone with your partner.
Keep everything legal
If you know that you cannot pull up your points in front of your partner is a bully and does not allow you to convey your thoughts properly. In general situations, it is advisable that they should sort out through mediation or collaborative law but your situation is unusual as your partner will not allow you to reach mutual consent. In such cases where one of the partners is abusive, the decision should be taken by an independent judge. And in court, the behavior of your partner can turn out to be useful for you, just make sure you have a skillful lawyer who is aware of the tactics and the nature of the court. A family judge will take the decision on the most ethical note that can save you from all the trauma you are suffering because your partner is a bully.
Conclusion
All the divorce cases are not the same, and all the cases don’t end in mutual consent easy agreement. There might be some exceptions such as your partner being a bully, fraud, or an extramarital case. Each case requires time and attention and keen observation. So if you are in a situation where your partner is a bully, mark the measures that are mentioned above, they can really help you out to overcome the situation. I wish you all the luck that prevails!