During a divorce, it’s not uncommon to deal with the whole spectrum of emotions – and that goes for everyone involved. You, your ex-spouse, and your immediate families are all affected by the split. That means in-laws, too, and whether or not you wanted the divorce, your ex’s parents might be pretty angry over the whole ordeal.
How to Deal with Angry Ex-In-Laws
Your Brampton divorce lawyer has probably already told you that you should keep the peace as best you can; that extends to your in-laws, as well. There are several reasons for trying to keep your divorce conflict-free, and one of them is your own mental health. Further, it’s best to cooperate with your ex as much as possible because that way, you can come up with solutions that work for everyone involved.
It’s not always easy, though. Some in-laws are particularly contentious, and they’re not afraid to chime in about your personal business. While it may not be as personal as it feels (they’re hurting for their child, brother or sister), remember that it’s not okay for them to involve your children. If they do, you’ll need to let your Brampton divorce lawyer know right away; you want your divorce to go as smoothly as possible for your kids, and seeing family conflict can cause significant emotional trauma.
Any psychologist can tell you that the best way to diffuse anger is to remain calm. There are several routes you can take if one of your ex-in-laws confronts you angrily:
- Don’t argue back. Listen, and tell them that you understand that they’re hurt, upset or angry.
- Ask to talk about it later, in a more appropriate setting. This is particularly helpful if you’re in a public setting or if your children are around.
- Leave the situation. If you can’t stay calm under the circumstances, excuse yourself. It’s better to say nothing at all than to say something you’ll regret later.
It’s normal for your family to be upset with your ex, as well, so try to keep that in mind if you’ve been scratched off your ex-in-laws’ list of favorite people. The better you can get along with everyone involved, including your ex’s family, the better your chances of having a successful divorce that provides an outcome that reasonably satisfies both of you.
