An Epidemic of Mid-Life Divorces

Recently, I read somewhere that the divorce of someone close to you is a warning signal that may indicate that your relationship is at risk as well. Although most divorces -- especially adversarial, non-collaborative divorces -- are painful and expensive, there can be a bit of "jealousy" from longtime married folks when a friend or colleague divorces. Although divorces are a time of difficult transition, there is something liberating about the process as well. Most of us fear change, although we secretly long for it. "The grass is greener" theory, perhaps?

There seems to be an epidemic of mid-life divorces occurring around Omaha these days. Longtime married folks -- those married for 10, 15, or 20 years, are posting their "Single" status on Facebook. They're posting provocative pictures of "Girls Night Out," or ... even worse, the "cryptic" Facebook status updates ... the ones that allude to people not supporting their choices, or not understanding what they're going through. (Or the reverse -- the "shout-outs" to those who are supporting them, while lambasting those who have stayed silent on the topic.)

Even worse, are the Wall Photos. These two appeared on a friend's Facebook page this past week:

and

Then comes the inevitable admission: "We're getting a divorce." When a friend gets to this point, it's time to focus more on your own relationship. Don't let the divorce be contagious. (Oh, and suggest to your friend that they keep their relationship issues off Facebook.)