Dealing with unsupportive family during divorce can be frustrating. A divorce is one of the most stressful things a person can go through. But unfortunately for many, their family isn’t as supportive as they would hope. It might be that family members don’t approve of the concept of divorce. Or it could be that they simply don’t know the intimate details of your relationship and why it didn’t work out. You can try to convince them if you want, but ultimately, it’s not your issue. It’s theirs. You might just need to accept that they won’t be emotionally supportive and ask for their help in other ways. Then, you can find your own support system. Hopefully, you can get the encouragement and peace of mind from friends or support groups to help you get through this difficult period.
Managing Unsupportive Family During Divorce: Finding Your Support Network
Try to Find Out Why
If you’re dealing with unsupportive family during divorce, there might be several reasons why. It could be that they just disagree with the notion of divorce at all. Or it could just be that they don’t know what went on in your relationship. It’s not really your job to explain the intimate details of your life to everybody. However, if you are wanting them to better understand the situation, you can share what you feel comfortable with.
Accept That It’s Not Your Issue
Whether you’ve shared the details of why you’re divorcing or not, the fact of the matter is that this is a decision that is yours alone to make. If you’re dealing with unsupportive family during divorce, you might just have to accept that they aren’t going to change their attitudes. It’s not your issue, it’s theirs. You have to respect your own emotional boundaries. And it’s not your job to convince anybody.
Ask Them to Help Where They Can
Unsupportive family during divorce can be hurtful and painful to deal with. You probably won’t get the emotional support or sympathy that you need from them. However, you can ask that they still help you in other ways. For example, if you need financial assistance, housing assistance, or help with childcare. Just know that you’ll need to find your emotional support elsewhere.
Find Your Own Network
If family isn’t being helpful, you can build your own support network. Often, friends are more helpful during divorce than family anyway. They often know more details of your relationship and why you chose to end the marriage. You can also try local support groups to find other people who are experiencing similar emotions. If you are struggling, speak with a therapist.
If you’re dealing with unsupportive family during divorce, it can really affect your trust. You expect your family to support you no matter what. However, it’s not uncommon for people going through divorce to have to turn elsewhere for emotional support. Whether it’s a moral issue with divorce itself or they simply don’t know the story, it’s not up to you to convince them. Instead, ask for help where you can but know that you’ll need to find a sympathetic ear elsewhere. Built a support network around yourself through friends or support groups. Hopefully, they’ll be able to give you all the help you need to get through this difficult chapter and begin looking forward to the next.
