Divorce is a concept that often evokes feelings of discomfort, sorrow, and disappointment. Back in the day it even caused humiliation when people who divorced were considered outside the norm. However, in a world that is evolving rapidly, it’s time to shift our perspective and recognize that divorce can be a positive and empowering choice for individuals as well as entire families, in certain situations. As society continues to redefine traditional norms, including aging, let’s explore the reasons why divorce should be considered a more common and acceptable option for people in the future.
Individual Growth and Fulfillment: In the pursuit of happiness and self-fulfillment, individuals deserve the freedom to reassess their relationships. People change, grow, and develop over time, and sometimes, these changes lead to a divergence in values, interests, and life goals. With people living much longer than they did generations ago, change and growth on a personal level should be encouraged. If it leads to two people growing in different directions, we must not consider that a failure. Growth is good whether it can be wo people doing it together or separately. Embracing divorce as a valid choice allows individuals who feel they need more than what their current situation has to offer, a chance to continue their journey of self-discovery and personal development.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: While not all marriages dissolve due to conflict, remaining in an unhealthy or toxic relationship can take a significant toll on mental and emotional well-being. Staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons such as children or you don’t believe in divorce, when there is conflict, is a mistake. And it IS bad for your health. Accepting divorce as a legitimate option empowers individuals to prioritize their mental and physical health, and happiness. It’s crucial to create an environment where individuals feel supported in leaving situations that cause distress or emotional harm.
Role Modeling Healthy Relationships: People very often talk about the need to stay together for the sake of the children even in loveless marriages and or marriages where this a lot of fighting. As a society we used to believe it was necessary to stay together at all costs, for the sake of the children but that theory was debunked more recently. By normalizing divorce, we encourage individuals to model healthy relationship dynamics whether together or after divorce. Demonstrating the importance of respectful communication, mutual understanding, and shared responsibilities, even in the context of ending a marriage, can contribute to healthier relationships both for the divorcing couple, their children and those around them. It is important to note that a healthy divorce where there is shared respect and no fighting, should be part of the plan.
Reducing Stigma and Shame: Unfortunately, a significant barrier to pursuing divorce is the stigma and shame often associated with it even today. A more accepting attitude towards divorce can help dissolve this stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek the support they need and deserve when considering the option of divorce. Open conversations about divorce foster a compassionate environment where people feel comfortable discussing their experiences without judgment. It would be helpful for Hollywood and the media to follow suit and start showing healthy breakups and blended families on TV and in the movies and if journalists could cover more well-known couples in healthy breakups and not just those like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Divorce does not have to be that contentious. In fact, it should not be.
Empowering Women: Historically, women have faced more significant challenges in initiating divorces due to societal and financial dependencies. By advocating for divorce as a common option, we empower women to make decisions that align with their well-being, autonomy, and aspirations, rather than being trapped in unhappy marriages.
Empowering Men: Historically, there has been a bias in favor of women when it comes to divorce and child custody. As divorce and coparenting children becomes more commonplace, so will the concept that men are capable of sharing the custody and child rearing of their children and not just being a visitor on weekends.
Children’s Well-being: While divorce can be challenging for children, staying in an unhappy marriage can also negatively impact them. Emphasizing open communication, co-parenting, and mutual respect can create a healthier environment for children post-divorce, fostering their emotional and psychological well-being. While no one can replace a mother or father, with more acceptance of blended families, parents’ new partners can be a positive addition to children’s lives offering different perspectives, and another source of love. Children can never have too many sources of love.
Adapting to Modern Lifestyles: In an era where traditional norms are evolving, relationships should be allowed to evolve as well. With changing gender roles, career aspirations, and lifestyles, the traditional model of marriage may not always suit everyone’s needs. Accepting divorce as an option acknowledges that relationships can be flexible and adaptable.
Embracing divorce as a more common and acceptable choice is about recognizing that relationships are complex and can change over time. It’s about fostering an environment where individuals can prioritize their happiness, growth, and well-being without undue societal pressure. By normalizing divorce, we create space for healthier, more respectful relationships and a more empathetic society that supports people in their pursuit of authentic happiness.
