Hot on HuffPost Parents:
'Arrested Development' Cast Picks Their Favorite Moments
Jennifer Pellegrini: After a Wild Week of News, Two Stories You Might…
Is there an Ex Etiquette?
Filed under: Divorce & Custody, Development/Milestones: Babies
I learned long ago that when a girlfriend is complaining about her lousy boyfriend or husband that it is a bad idea to chime in and agree with her about what a rat he is. Inevitably they will reunite and she will remember any harsh words about the love of her life, regardless of the fact that the honest comments might be applicable.
Recently I have found myself smack in the middle of angry moms who have been burned a time too many by their ex-husbands. As they rant and rave about their former mates I always wonder what my role is. Am I to chime in and and agree about what a louse he is/was/always will be? Should I play the devil's advocate? Or is my best option to just sit and listen to the tirade? After all, my ear is free where as the lawyers' ears are not.
So I am left wondering, is there an Ex Etiquette? Do we still abide by the No Insult Rule after the possessions have been split and the decrees have been signed?
Recently I have found myself smack in the middle of angry moms who have been burned a time too many by their ex-husbands. As they rant and rave about their former mates I always wonder what my role is. Am I to chime in and and agree about what a louse he is/was/always will be? Should I play the devil's advocate? Or is my best option to just sit and listen to the tirade? After all, my ear is free where as the lawyers' ears are not.
So I am left wondering, is there an Ex Etiquette? Do we still abide by the No Insult Rule after the possessions have been split and the decrees have been signed?
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Dining Etiquette for Beginners
Etiquette expert Nancy R. Mitchell explains established rules and nuances of formal dining etiquette.
-
Top Wedding Etiquette Tips
Etiquette expert Elaine Swann shares her tips on proper wedding etiquette, including what to wear, when to arrive and how to be on your best behavior at the reception.
-
Wedding Etiquette: The Reception
In this video, Etiquette Expert, Elaine Swann will give you tips on etiquette during wedding receptions.
-
Tipping Etiquette
Ever wonder how much to tip for poor service, if at all? Canadian Press reporter LuAnn LaSalle looks at what etiquette experts say is proper tipping technique for a range of situations.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
2-01-2007 @ 11:25AM
Amy said...Reflective listening works well in these situations. "Wow, you must have felt really betrayed when he..." or, "I'll bet that hurt when she..." You can show empathy and agreement, without saying anything incriminating. Asking questions is a good way to participate in the conversation, without talking smack about the ex, too. "How did you react when he...?" or "Do you have any legal recourse...?" stuff like that. Of course, "I'm so sorry that you're going through this. It must be really hard on all of you, and especially on the kids," is a kind thing to say, too. Especially when you add, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Reply