Going through a divorce is one of the most difficult things anyone will ever do and the support of friends and family members is invaluable. Sadly, it isn’t always available.
I found that during my divorce, I lost nearly everyone I had a long term relationship with. I don’t have siblings and my parents are dead and it became impossible to continue to attend my home church because of the disapproval of everything I was doing.
I felt incredibly alone, overwhelmed at the thought of raising my children, and worried about finances. I needed someone to talk to that understood.
Even if your friends and family stay by your side, they may not be that much support unless they have gone through a divorce at some point. People who love us don’t want to see us in pain and often encourage us to just get over it without dealing with our deepest issues.
Mutual friends can feel awkward around you, especially if you and your ex have been friends with a couple. It is hard to not take sides and some people would just rather cut off the relationship entirely.
The best thing you can do is to get involved with a divorce support group. Everyone there will be in a similar situation to you. Some will be able to give you advice along with the support, while others will be in need of your advice. At the least, you will be able to share your feelings openly and honestly while working through them.
If you are divorced, what other advice would you have for someone who is going through divorce?
photo credit: Amanda Bowman
