Supporting a loved one through a divorce can be one of the most helpful things you can do as a friend. It’s hard to watch somebody you love go through something as stressful as a divorce. You might be feeling helpless. However, there are many ways that you can help them. The most important thing you can do is to listen. It’s also important to be forgiving as they go through many different emotions. Try to get them out of the house if they seem to be getting into a depressive mood. And finally, encourage them! They might need some encouragement if they are starting a new routine, or looking for a therapist, or even considering getting back into the dating world. By supporting your loved one through such a difficult time you are showing them what a wonderful friend you are.
Supporting a Loved One Through A Divorce: How to Be a Helpful Friend
Listen
The most important thing you can do when supporting a loved one through a divorce is to listen. Many people just need somebody to vent to when they are going through the process. You might be a shoulder to cry on. Or you might just be a sounding board as they try to organize their thoughts and feelings about what is happening to them. Either way, be a good listener and sit with them in their emotions.
Be Forgiving
Another important thing to remember when supporting a loved one through a divorce is to be forgiving. People going through this amount of stress experience a whole range of emotions. They might be quicker to anger or get defensive more than they used to. Try to let it slide while they tackle their emotions. In addition, if they want to vent one day about their spouse, try not to use it against them if they come to you another day feeling more nostalgic.
Get Them Out of the House
Getting out of the house can be very helpful when supporting a loved one through a divorce. Sometimes a change of scenery can do a world of good on somebody’s mood. Especially if they seem like they might be suffering from some depression. It’s easy to get into a rut and want to be alone when going through a divorce. It can be very helpful to have a friend who encourages you to get out of the house for some fresh air every once in a while.
Encourage Them
Finally, when supporting a loved one through divorce, encourage them. They might be trying to tackle a lot of new routines right now as they adjust to their new life. They might be looking to begin therapy or find a divorce lawyer and need somebody to help them with their search and encourage them. Or they might be considering getting back into the dating pool and need somebody to cheer them on for a boost of confidence. Have their back and support them as they adjust to their new life.
If you are looking for advice on supporting a loved one through divorce, then you are a very caring friend. A divorce is stressful and painful and your loved one can probably use all the support they can get. Listen to them and be a sounding board for their emotions. You don’t always have to have answers, you can just listen. Be forgiving if they are more emotional than usual and if they go back and forth frequently between resenting their ex and missing them. It’s perfectly normal. Get them out of the house for a change of scenery to brighten their mood. And finally, support them as they get used to their new routine as a divorcee. There are a lot of changes that they are going to go through, but hopefully having a great friend like you by their side will make it much less difficult.