Watch what you post about your divorce on social media

 Posted on November 29, 2021 in Divorce

When many of us have something to say or share, we take to social media in a flash. It’s the “in” place to air opinions, share photos, post news and just about everything else these days.

That lack of inhibition on social media platforms may be okay for you, especially if your personality is kind of freewheeling. However, it can have consequences if you are in the midst of a divorce and you decide to volcanically vent your frustration by bad-mouthing your future ex-spouse. You may feel relieved after spewing all kinds of nastiness about your former mate for all to read, but doing so can have a downside, too.

Why not post a torrent of negative things about your ex on social media?

One life coach exhorts her clients to practice “divorce without damage.” When your emotions are running high as tidal waves, it’s pretty tough to exercise restraint and sound judgment. All you really long to do is flush those raging feelings right out of your system.

Stop and mull it over beforehand. Do you want to appear petty, vengeful and vindictive by trashing your erstwhile life partner in public? How about your kids and family seeing or hearing about what you write? You could be sorry later for putting all that in front of people, particularly those you care deeply about.

If you are going to post on social media about your divorce, here are some tips:

• Don’t divulge the details: People don’t need to know all the nitty-gritty minutiae about your divorce or the legal proceedings. Use caution and discernment when deciding what to post. You’ll be glad you did.
• Realize that juicy tidbits you post will make the rounds: Once people have read it, they can and will pass it on. You can’t micromanage that. Being aware of it when you post might make you reconsider.
• Don't publish anything you don't want to be read out loud in court: If you say the wrong thing, you may have to listen to your posts being read in front of a judge. Consider that scenario carefully before you post.

Find constructive ways to heal

Look for outlets for your personal feelings during your divorce other than social media, like talking privately to friends or writing in a diary or journal. In addition, there are always people who can assist you through this anguished period in your life.