With all of the fanfare surrounding the academy awards in recent weeks, it’s hard to miss the bevy of news coming from Hollywood involving the most high profile celebrities. This month’s Vanity Fair Magazine features Jennifer Garner on the cover, discussing her divorce from Actor, Ben Affleck. The article goes into a lot of detail surrounding their relationship, but one piece really jumps out, and that’s how she describes the cordial relationship that she and Ben Affleck have maintained.
“The main thing is these kids – and we’re completely in line with what we hope for them. Sure, I lost the dream of dancing with my husband at my daughter’s wedding. But you should see their faces when he walks through the door. And if you see your kids love someone so purely and wholly, then you’re going to be friends with that person.”
What a great perspective and certainly one that takes an incredible amount of maturity. Sure, the cynicism in us all can all poke holes in this image. Perhaps financial concerns and other stresses that one might assume are removed from this divorce scenario may make for a friendlier environment. That being said, there’s that old American saying, “…don’t judge another until you walk a mile in their shoes.”
To be friends with an ex is a leap, but how do you take the first step towards this end?
Although building a true friendship with an ex-spouse can be a long and difficult road, making this commitment is a lifelong gift that you’ll give yourself and your family. Teaching your children how to be respectful, to have a sense of humor and to work hard to build important relationships will provide them with a positive, stable environment, during what can otherwise be a rocky road.
If you are considering divorce, contact an experienced Rhode Island divorce attorney to discuss your personal situation.