Many people in the Appleton area think the holiday season is the perfect time for families to get together to celebrate their love for each other. But for some couples, it brings about thoughts of separation and divorce. Not all relationships end in death. Many of them end in separation and divorce court.
As you get ready to spend time with your friends and relatives this holiday season, take some time to consider the following ways to minimize the stress and frustration you may feel, especially if you are going to be around your spouse. After all, you do not want to create any unnecessary drama that puts a damper on the festivities.
Do not dump on your partner
As tempting as it may be for you to unleash all of the pent-up feelings of hurt and frustration on your spouse, wait. It may make you feel good now for the short term, but you may end up causing more long-term damage. It may cause you to associate negative feelings with the holidays in the future. It can also cause more strain on your relationship and make it harder for everyone to ignore the rift.
Delay major decisions
You may feel like splurging more because it is the holiday season and you need some retail therapy. But you might want to check that impulse at the door. Try to avoid making big purchases and financial decisions while divorce is on the table. Anything you acquire could become the property of your spouse once the court issues the decree. Also, you should get in the habit of double-checking your actions and decisions to ensure you are making them based on logic and reason instead of your feelings.
Start planning
You may not want to deal with the end of your relationship during the season. But if you procrastinate and wait until afterward, you could end up dealing with some avoidable issues as well. Take things slow, remain flexible, and work on child custody, support, and property division issues now. If you or your partner seem to have a troublesome time discussing things, consider seeing a mediator or attorney for assistance.
This may be the last holiday your marriage is intact, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy it. Life does not stop because your relationship did not work out, nor does it take a backseat to unhappiness. Spend the holidays with your friends and loved ones, submerge yourself in their support, and enjoy yourself. Do not forget to find time to plan for the changes divorce will bring and think before you make any major decisions.
