Only in the rarest of circumstances is a divorce completely stress-free. The procedure tends to bring up multiple challenges for both spouses to tackle head-on. Often, former partners are able to engage in productive negotiations, meaning that the negative impact on all parties is minimal. Unfortunately, there are times where individuals just cannot see eye to eye and a divorce becomes highly contentious.
When an ex decides to make the process as difficult as possible, it can seem like your divorce is never going to end. The impact on your children might also be accentuated when they are forced to be around conflict. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can manage this type of scenario. Outlined below are some tips for coping with divorce when your ex is being difficult.
Only interact when necessary
If you have a solid support network around you, interactions with your ex can actually be kept to a minimum. Your ex may be trying to contact you for no other purpose than to get a reaction. If this is the case, it may be in your best interests simply to ignore them. Responding angrily may serve only to exacerbate the situation.
Try not to take it personally
It is likely that both you and your partner are experiencing some emotional pain throughout the divorce procedure. Emotional trauma can cause people to react in different ways. Erratic behavior from your ex is not necessarily a personal attack on you. With the right communication methods and a certain level of empathy, you and your former spouse might be able to come to a mutual agreement that puts you both in a better place. Many former partners are able to remain civil after divorce, creating workable parenting plans where children are concerned.
Divorce is never easy and dealing with a difficult ex can be very trying, but you can move past it. In Hawaii, it is important to remember that you have legal protections as a spouse.
