The Divorce Stigma

 Posted on August 14, 2013 in Family Law

Facts and opinions about divorce are coming out every day, with more research attempting to uncover the causes and impacts of marriage dissolution. Ask just about anyone and they have likely had some interaction with a divorce- either as a child, as a divorced individual themselves, or as a friend or family member of another person who has gotten a divorce. Despite continued evidence that puts divorce rates around 50%, there’s still a significant taboo around discussing the subject.

Statistics about divorce are not extremely promising around the world, either. In the Netherlands, 36.2% of married couples end up seeking out a divorce lawyer. Although in comparison to the legal maneuvers required to get a divorce, getting married is easy, divorce is still a challenging subject to talk about, particularly when you and your former spouse shared friends.

Telling others about your divorce is an action for which you should decide the time and place. It can be difficult to come to the realization that your marriage is in the process of ending or that it has officially ended, but not everyone needs to know the details of your dissolution decree. There is a stigma about divorce; despite such high numbers of people going after one, discussing your divorce can put you in an awkward situation.

Family members and friends may be unsure how to react, and sometimes that awkwardness can lead to them delving for details. In this situation, it’s appropriate to say something along the lines of “I appreciate your concern, but I’d rather not talk about this anymore today.” Divorce can open emotional wounds and cause you to say things you don’t necessarily mean, and it’s completely acceptable to cut those conversations off. Adapting to your new status as a divorced person can be challenging, but an experienced Cook County divorce attorney can help you work through this period by preparing you for what to expect. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other professionals, like counselors, if you need advice.