2. Seek out healthy people.

Separation and divorce can leave you feeling like
the only person ever to go through such devastation. But you’re not on a completely uncharted journey.

You undoubtedly have many worthwhile acquaintances you haven’t kept in touch with. What about reaching out to some of them?

Old friends with either good divorces or successful reconciliations can be especially valuable at a time like this. You don’t even need to ask them for advice or descriptions of their experiences; time with them can be a source of healing just because of the kind of people they are.

Make sure that your relationships show respect to your co-parent. The last thing you and your children need is a friend or relative who thinks you will be helped by hearing negative things about your co-parent. Remember that you’re responsible for the environment your children will be living in—and you have every right and responsibility to lovingly but firmly let people know you are committed to creating a healing environment for your children.

 

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."

—Ralph Waldo Emerson