Divorce: Setting Healthy Boundaries

When you are going through a divorce it is important to set healthy boundaries with family, friends, and even colleagues. By setting boundaries you can protect your well-being and ensure a smoother transition.

Here are some recommendations for how you can set boundaries with different relationships during your divorce.

Family and Friends: Handling the “Greek Chorus”

When you announce that you are getting a divorce, you will likely receive advice and opinions from well-meaning loved ones. Everyone seems to have a story or suggestion based on their experiences or those of others. While their intentions are good, your situation is unique. You don’t have to follow every piece of advice. A simple, “Thank you for sharing, I appreciate your advice,” can acknowledge their concern without committing to anything.

Let them know that you’re following the advice of your lawyer or other professionals with whom you are working and that you will make decisions that are best for you. It’s also okay to limit the information you share about the process. For example, you might tell your family, “I’ll let you know when significant things happen, but for now, we’re still negotiating.” This sets a clear boundary, allowing you to maintain privacy and control over your narrative.

RELATED: Attention Friends And Family: This Is Not Your Divorce!

Colleagues and Workplace Considerations

Divorce can require time away from work for meetings or court dates. It is important to communicate this to your supervisor or close colleagues, but you don’t need to divulge all the details. A brief explanation, such as, “I have some personal matters to attend to, so I will need to take time off occasionally,” is sufficient. Emphasize your commitment to make up for any missed work to reassure your employer of your dedication.

Social Media and Public Sharing

In today’s digital age, it can be tempting to share personal experiences on social media. However, you should be cautious. Avoid oversharing details about your divorce in public forums or on social media. Instead, confide in close, trusted friends or support groups where privacy is respected. This protects not only your privacy but also the privacy of your soon-to-be-ex-spouse and any children involved.

Cultural Pressures

In some cultures, divorce is frowned upon, leading to additional pressure from family members to stay in the marriage, regardless of the circumstances. If you face such pressures, consider working with a therapist or counselor to help you to work through these conversations. Setting boundaries with family members who may not support your decision can be difficult but necessary for your emotional well-being.

Contact Vacca Family Law Group

Are you overwhelmed by well-meaning advice from friends and family during your divorce? Feeling pressure by cultural expectations or unsure how to handle conversations at work? Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and protect your well-being during this time.

At Vacca Family Law Group, we understand the unique challenges you’re facing and are here to help you navigate them. Our compassionate team of Collaborative Divorce Attorneys and Mediators can guide you in creating a path forward that prioritizes your needs and those of your family.

Don’t let the stress of divorce dictate your future. Call (646) 798-4603 today to schedule your free introductory call and take the first step towards a more peaceful, empowered divorce experience.

Vacca Family Law Group is located at One Grand Central Place, 60 E. 42nd St., Suite 700, New York, NY 10165.

Related:

• Attention Friends And Family: This Is Not Your Divorce!