Should Your Parents Remain Close With Your Ex-Husband?

Should Your Parents Remain Close With Your Ex-Husband?

I read a report recently that really sort of disturbed me, even though it was about a trend that a lot of people think is a positive thing.

The story is about “friendly ex-laws.” Apparently there are a lot of divorced people who maintain friendships with their ex’s parents. I suppose every situation is different, and admittedly there is something to be said for having everyone maintain their maturity and civility after a divorce. But my gut reaction is to wonder how anyone could really be comfortable with this.

Even if your divorce was amicable there’s still an inherently negative vibe that permeates everything and every relationship that was associated with the marriage. I don’t see how anyone can compartmentalize their relationships like this.

There was one woman quoted in the story who said her mother-in-law told her: “You’re divorcing my son, not me.” I’m not sure I could live with that. If you’re uncomfortable with your parents maintaining a relationship with your ex, then your parents should respect you enough to honor that. Divorce is hard enough without having to endure situations like this that make it even more complicated.