Family related news included a look at both the declining rate of marriage and better ways to divorce. Rounding out the family news is a warning about what NOT to say to your partner and a mother's personal realization that divorce does not mean her family is "less than."
Maggie Smith, Time, November 9, 2023
The author shared: “When I was newly divorced, trying to make a fresh start for myself and my children, my thinking about my family and my new life was shaped by absence. I looked at us and saw what was missing instead of what was there…I’ve lost, but I’ve also gained, namely, perspective, as I’ve learned to see our family for what it is, without comparing it to what it was. When I look at myself, I see a complete person, not half of a former couple. When I look at my children, my family, I see wholeness, not a fraction…”
Patricia Fersch, forbes, November 21, 2023
The author and three divorce mediators explain the mediation process, discuss which couples are good candidates to engage in the process, and share thoughts on the ultimate benefits of participation.
Caitlin Kelly, The New York Times, November 25, 2023
The greatest challenge of getting divorced, many learn, can be trying to negotiate and control powerful emotions: anger, betrayal, grief, rage, disappointment. But there are ways to reduce the stress and expense of ending a marriage. These options include using a document service (ideally reviewed by a lawyer), mediation and collaborative divorce.
Jancee Dunn, The New York Times, December 1, 2023
Couples argue at times, which is expected. However, there are phrases that, according to some therapists, should be avoided as they only derail meaningful resolutions.
Scaachi Koul, The Guardian, December 12, 2023
The author argues that even though the institution of marriage progressed from its earliest form, the current state of marriage still hands men the lion’s share of benefit. As a result, more and more women are opting to remain unmarried; the US marriage rate dropped nearly 60% between 1970 and 2011.