A Canadian couple’s hashtag “#divorceselfie” and photograph has gone viral on Facebook. Chris and Sharon Neuman, natives of Calgary, were married for 11 years and have two children together. The couple posted a picture on Sharon’s Facebook page of the two of them smiling together outside the courthouse after they had just filed for a divorce. The Facebook post spread rapidly through the social networking site and was picked up by news outlets across the globe.
Both Sharon and Chris are smiling and appear happy. Sharon wrote on her Facebook page that their apparent happiness was not a result of the end of their marriage but instead a way to express that they “have done something extraordinary” which was to “respectfully, thoughtfully, and honorably ended our marriage in a way that will allow us to go forward as parenting partners for our children.” Sharon further wrote that she and her now ex-husband plan to co-parent amicably so that their children will “never have to wonder which side of the auditorium to run to after their Christmas concert or spring play because we’ll be sitting together. They won’t have to struggle with their own wedding planning because we’ll be sitting on the same side of the aisle- THEIR side”. Sharon stated she shared her picture and views as a reminder and encouragement to other parents going through divorce or already divorced to “love your kids more than you hate/distrust/dislike your ex”.
The Facebook post has attracted worldwide attention due to the rare and positive perspective on divorce, with many praising the couple’s attitude.
Divorce is often an emotionally draining process and it is not uncommon for there to be arguments, tension, and hurt feelings. This difficult scenario can be intensified when children are involved. However, as the Neuman’s have shown, husband and wives separating can treat one another with mutual respect and acknowledge each other’s feelings. It is, unfortunately, the children who too often suffer in contentious divorce cases. In our years of experience observing thousands of divorces, it is the parents who recognize that while they might not have worked as partners, they can still work together as parents and/or as friends which have the best outcome for their children and families.
If you have questions about Divorce or how you can minimize the emotional and financial impact of separation and divorce, please call us today at (704) 810-1400.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/08/31/divorce-selfie_n_8066750.html