If you are unsure of where to turn or what to do next, there is direction. If you are struggling with your identity after being part of a couple, there is wholeness. If you are grieving shattered dreams of what might have or should have been, there is healing. If you despair something wonderful will come out of your pain, there is hope.
Barb Greenberg hosts events for women healing from divorce. Go to her website at www.barbgreenberg.com to find the most current information about events.
Healing from Divorce & Other Workshops
Biaggi's Dinner & Discussion
Biaggi's Dinner & Discussion is a monthly get-together that includes wonderful women, an expert guest speaker, and great food. We share stories, offer support, and learn from top professionals.
You will find support on your journey, techniques for walking patiently through difficult times, and help reconnecting to what once inspired you, so you can find a new vision for your future and move forward with confidence.
Upcoming Dinner & Discussion: Legal 101
Whether you are beginning the divorce process, in the middle of your divorce, or even if your divorce has been finalized, family law attorney Pamela Green will provide information to empower you as you deal with the legal system.
Pamela Green has been practicing family law for more than thirty years and is the past chairperson fo the Minnesota State Bar Association's Family Law Section. The philosophy of the Green Law Office is ismple and powerful. "We do what is best for your family."
Location: Biaggis Restaurant, Eden Prairie Mall (8251 Flying Cloud Dr.)
Price $35 Because seating is limited, and the restaurant needs our numbers, your advanced payment is required to reserve your place.
DIVORCE INFORMATION & STATISTICS
Divorce is a very common occurrence in the United States and around the world. The United States has the highest divorce rate in the world with fifty percent of marriages ending in divorce. Second and third marriages in the United States have even higher divorce rates. According to statistics, in the U.S., second marriages fail at a rate of 60-67 percent, and third marriages fail at a rate of 73-74 percent.
Why Marriages Fail
Divorced couples report the number one reason that marriage fails is due to either a lack of communication or poor communication. The second most cited reason for divorce is martial conflicts and arguments. The third most cited reason is infidelity.
Divorce is painful and a great loss and requires the work of grieving, which can take a considerable amount of time.
You need to:
--Accept that the relationship is over
--Re-discover yourself
--Get support and counseling
Unrealistic Expectations about Marriage
As you re-discover yourself, you may want to look at important underlying factors that may have led to unrealistic expectations about marriage. Historically, throughout most cultures, women have been conditioned to give their power away to men, to serve men and put men's (and children's) needs above their own. Making friends with other women, especially women who have experienced divorce, can be tremendously supportive.
Some Facts about Women & Divorce:
1. Women initiate divorce twice as often as men
2. 90% of divorced mothers have custody of their children
3. 60% of people under poverty guidelines are divorced women and children
4. In general women experience less stress and better adjustment after divorce than do men. Some reasons for this include: (1) women are more likely to notice marital problems and to feel relief when such problems end; (2) women are more likely than men to rely on social support systems; and (3) women are more likely to experience an increase in self-esteem when they divorce and add new roles to their lives.
5. Women who work and place their children in child care experience a greater stigma than men in the same position.
Divorce & Age
According to statistics, those who get married in their mid to late-twenties are less likely to get divorced that those who marry at a younger age. This age group also tends to be more satisfied in marriage than those couples who marry later in life. For divorced couples under the age of 20, the women are more likely to initiate the divorce; whereas for divorced couples over the age of 20, the men are more likely to initiate the divorce.
Characteristics of individuals that have a higher probability of divorce include:
• younger age at time of marriage
• lower education
• has children from a previous relationship
• cohabitation prior to marriage
• sexual activity prior to marriage
According to divorce statistics, more than one factor usually contributes to a couple's decision to divorce. Although three primary reasons have been identified by divorced couples as the leading causes of divorce, it seems that other underlying factors may contribute to these issues as well.