If you are in the middle of a tumultuous divorce, you may want to tell the world all about it through your social media accounts. It is tempting — and easy — to share the bitter details of your split with just the push of a button, but you need to take a step back before clicking “publish.” Bashing your ex and revealing too much information on social media during your divorce can cause you — and your loved ones — a whole lot of grief.
Be realistic. Feelings change. You may post something very negative today, but feel differently tomorrow. Even though you can delete your negative post, the damage has been done. Your friends and followers have seen what you wrote and you cannot undo that impression. Worse yet, if your ex sees your online tirade, he or she can use that against you, citing questionable judgement on your part. This could be disadvantageous when negotiating the terms of your divorce.
If you have children, your posts can affect them, even if they are not on social media. They may overhear others talking about what you published. You do not want to add fuel to the fire if you are caught up in a custody dispute. Your words may come back to haunt you.
Think about how people perceive you when you post malicious content. Is that the kind of image you want portrayed when someone hears your name? Your words can spread like wildfire in the online community with endless sharing, liking, and commenting. It may feel good to head to Facebook or Twitter when emotions are running high, but take a deep breath and think about how your words can be used against you. It may be best to put your digital device down and take a walk.
In addition to burning off your anger with walking or exercising, invest in other healthy ways to blow off steam.
- Start a journal and make a commitment to write in it once a day, even if it is just a sentence or two. You can use the old-fashioned kind of a book with blank pages or find one to create online.
- Rely on a friend or two for emotional support. Find someone you trust who will listen to you vent, cry, and laugh, but be conscious of any drain you may be on them. If you do not have people like this in your life, seek out a therapist who has experience with divorce.
- Divorce support groups are very popular these days. If you cannot find one in your area, you can search for them online. These circles are great places for you to share your feelings and get feedback from others who are experiencing similar issues.
Social media makes our lives so much better in many ways. We can connect with loved ones in the blink of an eye. That ease also comes with consequences if not handled correctly. Divorce is often really tough. You do not have to post cheery content if that is not how your life is playing out at the moment, but do not use social media to publish information that you will regret down the road. You will be grateful that you exercised that digital restraint.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is seeking legal guidance and representation from an experienced divorce attorney in South Florida, please contact Klein Law Group at 561-220-6659 or fill out the contact form on our website at www.kleinattorneys.com. We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your individual case in family law, bankruptcy, and real estate. Our offices are located in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.