Poor communication – or lack of communication – is one of the most common reasons that a marriage fails. When communication breaks down between a couple, trust can be impacted, and intimacy is difficult to maintain. Divorce is an unfortunate and difficult consequence. If you have decided to move forward with your life apart, then you may be considering divorce. As ironic as it may sound, communication is an important factor in the divorce process. Here are some tips for how to effectively communicate during a divorce:
1. Communication when you are calm: Avoiding interactions with your ex when you are upset or angry will help you stay focused on the issue at hand.
2. Be honest but not mean: Honesty is important but it is also important not to speak with anger or judgement. Try to keep your communication about the issue at hand, rather than all of the problems that pushed you toward the divorce.
3. Focus on the future: Rather than focusing on all of the pain in your past, try focusing on the future. Once you have made the decision to divorce, it really is time to move forward. Focus your communication on the issues that you need to discuss and leave the conflict in the past.
4. Resist posting about your relationships: Social media posts are unnecessary and unhelpful during a divorce. Avoid posting about your divorce, your ex or any new relationship that you have.
5. Establish boundaries: Once you have ended your marriage, you will want to establish boundaries with your ex so that you can control when you communicate and when you do not. Establish whether you want to take phone calls, texts or set up specific times when you will communicate. Then you can focus on that communication and not be taken off guard.
Divorce Support Services In Minnesota
AMS Mediation offers several services that can facilitate good communication during the divorce process. Divorce mediation allows you and your ex to come to solutions about how to settle the terms of your divorce rather than leaving these important decisions in the hands of the courts. Mediation actually stresses positive, productive and effective communication strategies and this can lay a positive foundation for future communication as well. In addition, we also offer a communication coach if you (or your spouse) need some additional support. A communication coach can help you communicate effectively, how to protect your kids from the conflict, how to listen and respond effectively and how to express frustration in a productive way. For more information about our divorce support services, call us at 952-252-1492.
