Facing divorce after your 50s in Virginia creates challenges that can affect the way you cope and move on. Gray divorce, as this situation is known, continues to grow. Divorcees also contend with specific challenges, such as emotional, social and financial issues.
Dealing with the emotional impact
When you go through divorce after 50, you might experience a range of intense emotions that might make it overwhelming to think with a clear head. Some of the emotions include rage, grief, confusion and fear. It might feel like there is no way to move on. However, there are things you can do to deal with the emotional impact, including:
- Accepting that these emotions are normal and part of the divorce process
- Forgiving yourself for what you feel is your part in the divorce
- Practicing self-care, including seeking professional mental health support
Expanding your social circle
Over the course of a long-term marriage, couples cultivate a social circle. When a marriage ends, the members of that social circle often take sides, and one of the spouses might find themselves feeling alone. However, it is important to seek out those family members and friends who will listen to you and offer that support. You can also increase your social circle by joining new activities that will allow you to meet new people.
Moving on financially
For many people, the financial impact of gray divorce might be the thing that most concerns them. With the spouses close to or at retirement age, financial stability is important. However, careful negotiating and planning during the divorce, a realistic budget for life post-divorce and a willingness to make some changes, if necessary, in lifestyle can help you cope with this.
Moving on after gray divorce takes time. Give yourself that time to work through your feelings, set up your new life and begin again.