Can You Keep Friendships After a Divorce?

Divorce can be a big change in life. It often affects not just marriages but also friendships. In 2021, around 107,000 people got divorced in England and Wales. After a divorce, friendships can shift a lot, but it is still possible to keep those connections. Let's look at how divorce impacts friendships and what can help or make things harder.

How Divorce Affects Friendships

1. Social Circles: When someone gets divorced, their group of friends can change. Friends might not know how to act around both people. Research shows that sometimes friends pick sides, which can make things even trickier.

2. Feelings: The emotions people feel after a divorce can make it hard to keep friendships. A study found that about 60% of recently divorced people felt alone, which makes reaching out to friends tough.

3. Time: After a divorce, people are often busy trying to rebuild their lives. A survey showed that 30% of divorced people felt they had less time to spend with friends.

What Helps Keep Friendships After Divorce

1. Common Interests: Friends who share hobbies or passions are more likely to stay close even after a divorce. Research indicates that 72% of former couples stayed friends with people who had similar interests.

2. Children: If kids are involved, parents may work together to keep friendships. A report found that 45% of divorced couples stayed friendly for their children’s sake, which shows how important co-parenting can be.

3. Support Networks: Having strong support from family and friends makes it easier to keep friendships. A survey showed that people with solid support systems were 50% more likely to maintain friendships after a divorce.

Friendship Statistics After Divorce

• About 47% of divorced individuals reported still being friends with at least one mutual friend.
• A study revealed that 40% of people kept in touch with friends from their marriage, showing that some connections can survive.
• Another survey found that 58% of divorced individuals who worked hard to keep their friendships were successful over five years.

Challenges to Face

1. Communication: Talking openly is important for keeping friendships. Friends need to navigate their new lives and how to interact, especially when loyalties are involved.

2. Regaining Trust: Trust can be shaken during a divorce. A study found that 37% of people said trust issues made it hard to maintain friendships afterward.

3. Emotional Adjustments: After a divorce, feelings of sadness and loss can make socializing tough. Research shows that emotional support can help people better adjust to maintaining friendships.

In summary, keeping friendships after a divorce is possible, but it can depend on things like social circles, feelings, and communication skills. By understanding these challenges and putting in the effort, people can continue to create strong, meaningful friendships even after a divorce.