No matter where you are in the stage of getting a divorce – from initial conversations with a spouse, to living apart, to negotiating or even fighting out issues of property and support – you know that divorce rarely feels like a “party.” But a trend in recent years is for divorcing spouses to mark the finalization of their divorce with a “divorce party” where they are joined by friends and family as they move on to the next chapters of their lives. Like any party, a divorce party can be classy or tacky, awkward or convivial, all depending on your particular taste and how you put it together. But no matter what type of party you have – and whether you call it a divorce party or simply gather those close to you for a fun night out or cozy night in – connecting with people in a social event can be an important and healthy way to move forward from your divorce.
Divorce is an Important Time to Re-establish Friendships
Remember when you were single and all your newly-married friends suddenly had less time to spend time with you? You probably did the same to them once you got married (and this can be especially true for friends of the opposite sex), and you may have drifted away from friends during the time you spent most nights with your spouse. You are going to need your friends more than ever following a divorce for companionship and support, so no better time than the present to get everybody together and let them know how much they mean to you, especially going forward.
You Can Have “The Talk” All at Once
Your well-meaning friends and family are likely going to all want to hear about how things went down in your divorce: what were the underlying causes, how the proceedings went, what has gotten you down and what has lifted in your spirits in this process. Some people really do not want to relive their entire divorce every time they meet up with another friend, and having a divorce party can be a way for you to get it all out there at once and give people the opportunity to offer support and ask questions in a safe atmosphere.
It’s Your Party So Cry If You Want To
Maybe your divorce party is pitchers of margaritas and dancing, or maybe it’s a night out at a Dodgers’ game, or maybe it’s a campfire on a beach where everyone sits around telling stories as the waves roll in. You should not feel any pressure to entertain or to even be happy if that’s not the truth of your reality right now. And if certain friends do not feel like joining, then your party may be a good time to assess who the people are that you can count on going forward in good times and bad. You’ve been through a lot in your divorce, and you will have plenty of trials to come so take the pressure off yourself for one night and enjoy life with your friends, both old and new.
Contact the Law Office of Kelley C. Finan Today
Kelley Finan is a family law attorney based in Torrance, serving the needs of clients across Southern California. For experienced, compassionate guidance with all of your family law matters, contact the Law Office of Kelley C. Finan today at (424)-255-3797 to schedule a free consultation.