When someone tells me they are going through a divorce and that it is "amicable," I tend to feel skeptical. While I'd like to think it's possible to have a friendly divorce, I have a hard time believing it will stay that way, just because amicable and the division of assets, along with a child custody schedule just don't go hand in hand. Also, let's not forget the elements of resentment, anger, hurt and fear that are part of every divorce.
Often times, divorces start out amicable. "We're not going to be like all those other people," a couple will say. "We respect each other and we both want this, so let's set an example and show everyone that it's possible to have a friendly breakup," they might say. But then, reality sets in. Something happens and someone gets mad, which results in offsetting the course. All of a sudden, the divorce turns really ugly.
Here are 9 potential reasons for an amicable turned ugly divorce:
1. One person finds out the other person is dating someone. Perhaps the number one reason a divorce goes south. Even if the man or woman was the one who wanted the divorce, the minute their soon to be ex gets a girlfriend (or boyfriend) they go ballistic and get insanely angry and jealous. It doesn't make sense, but it really does happen a lot.
2. Someone's attorney talks them into going for more money. Be very careful when choosing your attorney and make sure you trust him/her. I have seen attorneys blow deals that were put together by two consenting adults, because the attorney -in his or her defense--was trying to get the person more money. In other words, he or she felt they were just doing their job, but it backfired. I'm not saying don't listen to your attorney's advice, but everything has to be weighed. Is it worth it to walk out of the marriage with a little less money if it's going to help keep things smooth and settle quicker?
3. One of the people finds out from someone in the community that the other cheated while they were married. Gossip after a breakup happens all the time. It can be really hurtful.
4. Friends and family begin to talk negatively about the spouse. They might say things like, "I would hate him if I were you." or "I never liked the way he treated you." The person getting divorced starts to think about it and gets resentful, or feels like they SHOULD hate their soon to be ex--like it's expected or something.
5. Resentment starts to build and one or both people start thinking about the past. Where do you think the phrase, "He took the best years of my life" came from?
6. Reality sets in and people realize it's for real.
7. One or both people get scared, which always drives anger. Being afraid causes people to get angry and mean. It's just a fact.
8. One person becomes unhappy, either at work or in another relationship, and focuses the anger and frustration on the soon-to-be ex. Someone who is miserable will take it out on someone close to him/her and what better person to do that than their soon-to-be ex? They start to blame the person for everything negative in their life.
9. One person has or develops an addiction. People who have addictions blame everyone else for their problems and refuse to take accountability for anything that goes wrong. An alcoholic might tell their spouse, "You're the reason I drink," or "You're the reason we're getting divorced," and "My life will be so much better once you are out of it."
If a divorce turns ugly, it can be exhausting, upsetting, and basically a roller coaster ride that goes from bad to worse. Plus, sometimes it doesn't even stop after the divorce decree is signed and the divorce is official.
How do you deal? Try your very very hardest to keep the emotion out of the divorce. Treat it like a business deal and don't take anything personal. Remember, a lot of times, when you read lawyer jargon, it was written by your ex's attorney-not your ex.
The other thing to do is try to enjoy something out of every day. Because an ugly divorce means lots of unpredictability and bombs dropped. It feels uneasy and creepy and scary. So, since there's nothing you can do to change that, focus on enjoying your days in some way, with your kids, with your career, with your family, and with your own life. Grab some kind of enjoyment every single day. (everyone should do that-not just people going through ugly divorces!)
Lastly, remember that your divorce will someday end, and hopefully your ugly divorce will turn into an amicable post divorce relationship.
Jackie Pilossoph is the author of her blog, Divorced Girl Smiling, and the comedic divorce novels, Divorced Girl Smiling and Free Gift With Purchase. She also writes feature stories, along with the weekly dating and relationships column, Love Essentially" for Chicago Tribune Media Group local publications. Pilossoph lives in Chicago. Oh, and she's divorced.