Life After the Death of a Marriage

November 3, 2013

Life After the Death of a Marriage

by Debbie Nguyen

The divorce rate at present is at an all-time high with statistics closing in between 40 and 45 percent. While the end of a marriage can be devastating and cost couples an exorbitant amount of money and time to settle their differences in court, it isn’t the end of the world. Life does exist after a divorce, and you’ll find the following tips beneficial in picking up the pieces and moving forward.

Take Time to Heal

“Divorce is an emotional experience, to say the least, and getting the two parties to agree is already difficult, so private negotiations don’t always work out so well. Using a mediator or representing attorneys is the next step,” according to an Orlando Divorce Team. Don’t dwell on the unhappiness and search for the meaning or cause of the break up but treat it as a second chance towards a better place.

Whether your divorce ended amicably or you’ve found it difficult to even think about your ex-spouse without horrid thoughts coming to mind, you need to take time to heal after a break-up. So many people make the mistake of going out and getting involved in a new relationship before a divorce has been finalized. This can be considered a rebound, and the mistakes that you made in the first relationship may come back to haunt you in the next. The best sort of therapy is to get a positive outlook on your new situation and find things that you enjoy doing the most and do them such as gardening, running, cooking and reading.

Friends and Family

You’re sure to experience feelings of loneliness when you and your spouse break up. After doing so much together as a couple, you may find yourself dealing with awkward family gatherings and social parties on your own. When you’re done sitting at home and feeling sorry for yourself, you need to drag yourself out and socialize with the real world. Surrounding yourself with friends, family and neighbors can boost your spirits and keep you connected. The first couple of parties may be the most difficult, but you’ll soon become a seasoned veteran, and you’ll realize how much fun you’re having with a busy social life.

Groups and Therapy

You’re sure to find a host of social or support groups centered around divorce, and you can get involved with many of the organizations through church or city circles. You can also seek the help of a therapist if you’re unable to function properly. A knowledgeable and experienced therapist can make an excellent listener and give you the courage to move on and discover a whole new life beyond your marriage. You may even find yourself relocating to a different city or starting up your own business.

Hobbies and Exercise

Depression and lack of motivation typically follow a divorce, but you have to push these feelings aside. If you’ve always wanted to take up a hobby, travel the world or sign up for a 5k race, now is the time to do it, you have the capabilities and time to do so.  This is your best approach to avoid depression.

Dating

After you’ve had ample time to heal, you may be ready to dip your toes in the dating pool. Between online dating, speed dating, restaurant mixers and clubs, you’re sure to find an assortment of interesting and exciting people to date.

The dissolution of a marriage doesn’t have to be the end of the world. The next chapter of your life can be filled with a host of opportunities from travel and fitness to living in a different city and starting your own business. Whether you choose to go it alone, explore the world with your best friends or you find a new partner to experience life with, you’ll find plenty of adventures to be had.

 Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/auntiep/3338042793/