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Divorce Celebrations a Growing Trend; Many Say Healthy

On Behalf of | Jun 6, 2011 | Divorce

“You only get one go around at this thing they call life, and there’s no sense in wasting it,” says one recently divorced woman.

True enough, but what’s the logical follow up to that observation?

For increasing numbers of people, it’s obvious: a divorce party.

That actually makes a lot of sense, given that most people who cut marital ties actually want to get a divorce and envision a more fulfilling and productive life following it.

So, why not celebrate? A number of divorce consultants and mental health experts applaud the idea, noting that it can mark an important rite of passage, heal wounds, elicit some laughter and foster a focus on a meaningful transition going forward.

Dr. Stacey Scheckner, a psychologist, is one of them. She says that simply thinking about the party itself — who to invite, what type of theme — can be therapeutic, with the actual event providing closure and serving as a catalyst for thinking about the future and making positive changes.

Entrepreneurs have of course emerged to cater to the clientele. Given the steady divorce rate of about 50 percent in America, the client base will always be there.

Divorce-party themes and ideas are just about as varied and abundant as those devised by wedding planners. Bands, bumper stickers, cakes, buffets and photographers all commonly feature.

Scheckner has just a couple pieces of advice to pass along to would-be partiers. First, don’t bash the ex-spouse; the celebration is about new-found freedom and hopeful possibility, not existing grievances and residual anger. And, secondly, be mindful of the feelings and emotions of any children involved.

As Scheckner notes, you’re the one celebrating, not them.

Related Resource: Fox News, “Divorce parties celebrate new beginnings” June 1, 2011

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