Tips to Cope With Gray Divorce
It is wholesome to see numerous reports suggesting that the divorce rate is drastically dropping throughout the US. But what is alarming is the fact almost 55% of divorces are found among older adults. Mature couples, who are above 50, are parting ways from their lifelong partners. From Bill and Melinda Gates to Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Bezos, mature partners are splitting their marriages.
Nevertheless, it is pertinent to mention that with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the divorce rate among adults has not fallen. It, rather, goes up as coronavirus sustains its impact. With that said, helping adult couples with their marriage splits is a crying need of the needs. Here are some tips that will be handy for you to help your parents and other adults in coping with their marriage splits:
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Emotions are the Vital Part of Every Marriage. Try Finding Out the Mutually Shared Emotions Among Your Parents
It is no secret that emotions play a pivotal role in the maintenance of every successful marriage. In fact, it is the set of emotions and shared beliefs that glue two individuals together.
So, as a child, the first help that you can offer to avoid the divorce of your parents is by finding out the shared emotions of both parties. Find out, what points they agree upon. And try working on it by bringing them on the same page.
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Don’t Ask Questions; Ask What Help Can You Offer
Children often find the news of their parents’ divorce shocking and agonizing. In the heat of the moment, they ask questions like: “Are you crazy? How on earth can I believe this? And you are 60 years old now. You won’t find another partner etc.” It is true that the news can be agonizing for you. But asking these questions does not help your parents in resolving the issue. It, rather, exacerbates the situation.
The founder of Avail Divorce App, Jennifer Cipplet suggests that offering help is the only option that may be helpful for your parents. “The divorce is none of your business, to begin with. You can’t tell your father ‘You won’t find another woman like my mom.’ It just doesn’t help,” Jennifer argues. On the other hand, she suggests that you – as a child – should show compassion towards your parents. You can ask things like: “Dad, divorce is like death. I understand your grievances. But please ponder over it once again. Tell me what help can I offer. I can go to every extent – and will do what it takes to save this relationship.”
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Do Not Get Overly Involved
As a child, you would never want your parents splitting their marriages. To save the relationship, you can go to every extent. But, at the end of the day, it is not your matter, regardless of the fact that it is directly linked to you. Be it emotionally, morally, or mentally.
So, try to offer as much help as required without being overly involved. After all, it is their decision. They are the ones who will be either parting ways or living together for the rest of their lives.