A recent article from WebMD entitled “After Divorce: 8 Tips for Reinventing Yourself” is interesting reading for our Pittsburgh family law clients that have recently gone through a divorce. With the advice and assistance of a PA divorce lawyer, your equitable distribution issues have been resolved, your case is over, and the Divorce Decree is issued. You are officially divorced under Pennsylvania law.
So what is next? This article outlines 8 ideas that will help you begin your new life post-divorce.
8 Tips for Post-Divorce Living
1) Let yourself mourn. This article advises that one should always keep in mind that a divorce = a loss. No matter how you view the divorce, whether you are accepting, heartbroken, or still in a state of shock, you need to give yourself time to transition. There is an empty space which used to be filled with your marriage, and with time, you will find ways to fill that space in new ways.
2) Work through your feelings. Whether it’s seeing a Therapist, talking to a close friend, or finding a new healthy activity to enjoy, you need to learn how to deal with your feelings. As this article advises, you do not want these feelings to “pollute your life going forward.”
3) Learn to like yourself. Instead of feeling self-rejection, make sure that you work on creating self-confidence and having some faith in yourself.
4) Rediscover who you used to be. Sometimes, in relationships, the couple can lose the sense of individuality to an extent. Try to do some of the hobbies/activities you liked to do before you were married.
5) Discover a new side of yourself. The best way to deal with a loss of a relationship is to have something new in your life. Whether it’s a new activity or group, or helping out in your community – there are many ways to start fresh.
6) Dare to be alone. Discover a new social life as a single person. Don’t rush to get into a new relationship right away, as you likely need extra time to sort through your feelings post-divorce.
7) Consider transitional relationships. This isn’t about rebounding. It’s about considering dating (once you feel ready) outside your comfort zone — someone who’s not your type — without thinking that it has to head toward a permanent relationship.
8) Embrace your new roles. Sometimes, after a divorce, you have new responsibilities in your life that you did not have before (because your spouse took care of certain things). Embrace these new roles – look at this aspect of your new life as a learning experience and not a hindrance to your happiness. You will be proud of yourself for doing what you thought you could not do!
Speak to our Western Pennsylvania Divorce Attorneys if you have any questions regarding divorce, the divorce process, or how to finalize a divorce in Pennsylvania.