If a Good Divorce is Possible, Why Not Stay Married?

I hear the question all the time, “Well, if two people can have an amicable divorce then why don’t they stay married?” I suppose it’s a reasonable question. In order to answer it, I ask that you take a mental voyage with me.  Let’s go to a playground full of frolicking children… It’s a hot, sunny day and a group of kids are having a discussion. Child #1 points to the sky.  “That cloud looks like a bowl of ice cream.” Child #2 exclaims, “I love ice cream!” Child #3, in a sing-songy voice, replies, “Then why don’t you marry it?” […]

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What if We Did Marriage Like We Do Divorce?

According to the letter of the law, marriage and divorce are much the same:  it all boils down to a legal document. That being said, let’s imagine what life would be like if we treated the marriage process the same way we do the divorce process… “Hi, I’m Max Attorney,” the man introduced himself. Annabelle reached out and shook his hand.  “Nice to meet you.  I’m Annabelle Engaged.”  She followed Max into a spacious office and took a seat in front of his mahogany desk. “Now,” Max began.  “What brings you here today?” Annabelle cleared her throat and straightened her […]

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The Real Reason for My Peaceful Divorce

My ex and I had a peaceful divorce; one full of cooperation, communication and compassion.  It cost less than $400 and took only as much time as the state required. When I refer to my experience, some people dismiss me.  After all, I’m the exception, not the norm.  Most divorces are ugly and expensive because most exes are assholes.  And I couldn’t understand that, because my ex is obviously a really great person, otherwise I would’ve had a more typical divorce. As I read about divorce I find more and more articles to help people identify and deal with various […]

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Marriage is a Womb. Divorce is a Birth.

Marriage is a womb.  Divorce is a birth. This metaphor has been taking form in my head for months… I figured it was time to write it down.  Have you ever considered it this way? In the beginning of a marriage, there is room to grow.  We are warm and protected and the environment is nourishing.  It’s fun… safe… soothing… and comforting to know that we are cared for by another. And then things change. Sometimes we feel too cramped and we reach out in search of greener pastures.  Other times we are extricated from the womb by unforeseen forces. […]

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A Post-Divorce Letter to The Ex

The subject of today’s post comes from an old friend of mine and regular reader of Relative Evolutions.  A few years ago, Lauren made the difficult decision to leave her marriage.  Today, she reflects on her journey in the following letter to The Ex…   Dear You, Three years have gone by since I rocked your world, blindsided you, and probably broke your heart. Please know that my decision to leave was largely based on my discontent with myself, and had little to do with you.  I firmly believe that if you don’t love yourself, you can’t possibly love someone […]

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