Baltimore County Family Lawyer Discusses Divorce Selfies: Shedding a Different Light on Divorce
For years, and arguably centuries, divorce has been an event seen as more of a time of mourning than a time of celebration. Having entered hopefully into marriage, many feel that the dissolution of a marriage is something to be regretted, rather than applauded. Society has generally supported this belief, relegating divorce to a quiet, somber event, instead of a reason for joy. However, as social norms continue to evolve, new and different perspectives on the emotions surrounding divorce have been born.
In fact, these days, you are just as likely to meet a person celebrating a divorce, as you are a person lamenting the relationship that has come to an end. Unsurprisingly, social media has become a new platform for divorcing couples to publicize their life-changing decision. And the new trend at the forefront of this is the divorce selfie.
Most of us are familiar with the term selfie—the act of taking a photo of yourself. But now, couples who are untying the knot are making a splash by posting divorce selfies, wherein they post a picture of themselves in or around the courthouse where the divorce is taking place.
For some, this trend is shocking. After all, why would a couple want to publicize a deeply personal event? Yet, for others, this is in keeping with the modern view of relationships: why hide something that matters to you and is making a positive change in your life?
Couples who have posted divorce selfies often explain that it’s not to celebrate the fact that their marriage didn’t work, but to honor the fact that they were able to have an amicable split and make the best choices for their future…even if that means spending their future apart.
What’s Behind the Trend?
One therapist explained that, while shocking to some, this social media phenomenon may help to break the stigma around getting a divorce. Since amicable splits don’t often make the news, these are a welcome addition to the conversation regarding what divorce can look like.
That said, it’s important not to compare yourself or your split to anyone else’s. As with all selfies, these are taken when both parties are feeling positive and in control of the situation, not at the moment when one spouse tells the other they’d like to get a divorce. Social media has a way of causing us to reflect on our own lives, so it’s always a good reminder to keep things in perspective. In life, the highest highs usually come after the lowest lows.
As a Towson family attorney, we understand that some divorces end easily, while others encounter a few more bumps in the road. No two couples are alike, so whether you post a divorce selfie or not, it’s important to not lose sight of the fact that you have to make the choice that is best for you.
If you’re entering into divorce proceedings, know that we are here to help. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish, so, do not hesitate to contact us.
