Divorce usually spells the end of your relationship with your ex—but sometimes, it’s a little more complicated than that. When you’re married, your relationship often spawns fringe relationships, like with parents, sister- and brother-in-laws, aunts, uncles and other extended family members. That’s natural, and it’s great when everyone can get along during your marriage.
Sometimes, though, those relationships continue long after your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer hands over your divorce decree. If your parents adored your ex while you were married, it’s probably unreasonable to expect them to switch off their emotions because you divorced. However, your parents’ relationship with your ex can cause you lasting emotional issues if you let it.
The Green-Eyed Monster
It’s natural to be a little jealous of your parents’ and your ex’s relationship. It’s even normal to want your parents to show loyalty to you by ending their relationship with your ex. The reality, though, is that things don’t always work out that way.
If your parents are insistent on continuing their relationship with your ex and it makes you uncomfortable, and talking to them hasn’t worked, try talking to your ex. Let him or her know that you don’t think the relationship is appropriate and that it’s causing you unnecessary stress and grief.
Parents and Exes: When it’s Just Business
Sharing a family business can further complicate matters. If your parents and your ex work closely together, there’s probably little chance that they’ll split just because you two did. In this case, it’s good to keep your personal feelings to yourself and remain “all business” when you see each other; that way, you aren’t jeopardizing the business, which also affects your parents and other family members as well.
What Your Chapel Hill Divorce Lawyer Might Say
Your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer is highly trained in the letter of the law, but he or she isn’t a personal counselor. Your lawyer might recommend that you visit a local therapist or other counseling professional who can help you deal with the relationship between your parents and your ex (or help you figure out how to broach the subject of ending their relationship).
