Someone I know is divorcing, how can I help?

Going through divorce can be a stressful and emotionally taxing process, making the support network of friends and family even more important. But beyond platitudes alone, how do we offer meaningful help?

Our guide shares advice on extending helpful hands during this all-important time in someone’s life.

How to speak to someone going through divorce

Knowing what to say during such a difficult time can be daunting. Listen closely and ask thoughtful questions as your friend navigates the emotional rollercoaster of divorce, but don’t press for details if they aren't ready. Offer meaningful support in both tangible ways that help their cause and intangible means like lending an ear when needed - understanding is key.

Try to keep up with how they are feeling throughout this process by following their lead; speak optimistically about the future should it fit into conversations but always remain mindful of any underlying sentiments or concerns that could arise along journey towards healing.

Navigating a breakup is rarely easy and your friend may be looking to you for support. Handle the situation with care by focusing on validation rather than advice, being mindful of how much detail they need from your own experiences, and showing respect for their choices even if opinions differ. Let kindness guide all interactions during this fragile time in their life.

Continue to invite them to events if they keep saying no

Divorce can present huge changes in friendships, and your friend may find themselves without a support network. Showing up for them during this difficult period is one of the most caring things you could do - even if they decline offers to meet or catch up at first, keep quietly including them when possible; eventually they'll know who will always be there as their true friend through thick and thin.

Keep checking in with them

Divorce can sometimes leave even the strongest person feeling lonely. As a friend, your supporting presence through regular contact will be invaluable to helping them navigate difficult emotions such as loneliness and isolation.

Avoid giving advice or proffering platitudes - just listen, provide support when appropriate (depending on how close you are), but ultimately follow their own lead in terms of what they want from you during this challenging time. Reaching out often with voice notes, funny memes and recommendations is an easy way to signal that help’s never far away.

Keep listening

One of the greatest gifts we can give is our undivided attention. In times like a friend going through divorce, it's important not to judge or interject - just listen with focus and compassion so they may untangle their thoughts and find direction in this difficult situation.

Your show of active listening will grant you invaluable insight into how your friend feels about everything that’s happening; armed with understanding instead of assumptions helps us give them the most supportive response possible.

Offer practical support

As divorce adds complexity to their lives, offering your friend emotional support is not the only way you can help. With a bit of creativity and problem-solving spirit in mind, providing them with practical support could be just as valuable - consider taking up tasks such as searching for new homes or looking after children while they take care of other essentials. A simple dinner cooked by you would free some time on their plate too.

Don’t assume anything

Try not to assume your own feelings would necessarily reflect how your friend is feeling about their divorce - there's no one size fits all approach when helping someone through this time in life.

The best way to assist them through this experience is to create an understanding environment that bridges any divides between expectations and reality; thus providing much-needed support during these turbulent times.