Divorce has come a long way since the 1979 movie Kramer vs. Kramer and War of the Roses in 1989. These movies seemed to set the stage for battle over money, property, and children between divorcing couples.
Divorce is still often a messy ordeal, but a growing number of couples are taking a different approach by celebrating their split with divorce ceremonies. Such a party represents what they’ve shared, new chapters in their lives, acknowledging the good and letting go of the past. Instead of stewing in anger and resentment, they’re moving on with gratitude and on friendly terms.
Divorce ceremonies have tripled in Japan since the tsunami and earthquake in March. The event forced some couples to examine their relationships and accept they were no longer working.
Of course, a happy divorce party co-hosted by a former couple can only happen if both are handling the split in a mature and fair manner, and since divorce can bring out the worst in people, this isn’t always possible.
Copyright © 2011 Stephen Petullo
