How to help a friend through divorce

 

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How to help a friend through divorce.

If a friend tells you their relationship is ending, you may be wondering how to assist. They’re likely going through an incredibly difficult time and you may be feeling helpless.

If you’re asking yourself questions like “what do I say?” or “how can I support them?” you’re in the right place.

Here, we explore how to help your friend through divorce.

How to help a friend through divorce

1: Offer your support

Let them know that you’re here to support them in whatever capacity they need. Whether that’s to provide a listening ear, plan a fun day out, look after their kids or simply keep them company if they’re struggling.

As well as offering your support, explain that they can get help from professionals and charities too. For instance, they could seek guidance from online divorce solicitors who have the skills and expertise to guide them through the process..

Your friend could also speak to a counsellor, find an online support group, or get information from Citizen’s Advice.

2: Give them practical help during the divorce

A lot can change during divorce. Your friend may be selling or moving out of the family home and into a new place. If so, you could offer practical help during their move, such as packing and transporting their belongings in your car or a rental van.

You could also assist with the cleaning of their house, laundry and other household chores. Batch cook them meals to have in their freezer for days when they can’t cook.

Your friend may also appreciate support with babysitting, dog sitting, picking up groceries, or other errands. Ask specifically what they need as there may be things you haven’t thought of.

3: Avoid trying to fix things

It can be tempting to try to “fix” things when someone’s going through a difficult time. But you can’t fix your friend’s marriage. If they speak to you about the issues in their relationship, listen, but don’t feel like you need to offer solutions to the problems.

It’s likely that your friend just needs to vent. They’re probably not looking for advice but simply a sounding board to chat through their situation.

So instead of trying to come up with the right answer, just listen. Ask open-ended questions, empathise with their situation, and let them know you’re there for the long haul.

4. Check-In Regularly

Divorce can be an emotionally turbulent time, so make an effort to check in with your friend regularly to see how they’re doing. Send a thoughtful text message, give them a call, or schedule regular outings to catch up and provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Let them know that you’re thinking of them and that they’re not alone.

5. Encourage Self-Care and Wellness

Divorce can take a toll on both physical and mental health, so encourage your friend to prioritize self-care and wellness. Encourage them to engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies. Offer to accompany them on walks or outings to provide companionship and encouragement.

Final Thoughts on How to help a friend through divorce

While helping your friend navigate their divorce isn’t easy, there are simple ways you can offer support at this difficult time.

Make sure your friend knows that they’re not alone and they have loving and supportive people around them.

However you decide to help, your friend is sure to appreciate your unwavering support as they transition into the next chapter of their life.

I hope you found this feature about How to help a friend through divorce helpful, and if so, I would really appreciate it if you would share it. You can do this by saving any of the images to your Pinterest board or clicking on one of the icons below the post to share to Twitter, Facebook or Linked’In.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post,

 

Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂

With love,