I find it sad when any couple splits, especially couples with children. I feel the same way about Gwyneth Paltrow and her soon-to-be ex-husband. When there’s some sort of abuse, it’s equally sad, but it’s also understandable when a spouse calls it quits. That’s not the case here. And I’m more than a bit annoyed by the couples’ tender announcement and its mindless rationalization. Michele Weiner-Davis has written one of the most insightful rejoinders I’ve read. – Beverly Willett
Conscious Uncoupling: An Oxymoron?
The other day I was interviewed by a reporter asking my opinion about a program soon-to-be-divorced, actor Gwyneth Paltrow participated in called “Conscious Uncoupling.” This program is designed to “release the trauma of a breakup, reclaim your power and reinvent your life.”
Among other things, (read more here)
I agree with all Michelle said and will add that one of the most insightful things I’ve heard these past few years while working in this field was said by Ms. Paltrow:
“On when to throw the towel in: “I asked my dad once, ‘How did you and mom stay married for 33 years?’ And he said, ‘Well, we never wanted to get divorced at the same time’. And I think that’s what happens. … When two people throw in the towel at the same time, then you break up, but if one person’s saying, ‘come on, we can do this,’ you carry on.”
That said, in this rarest of circumstances, I respect Ms. Paltrow and Mr. Martin’s mutual decision while also still vehemently agreeing with Michele that if they are so close with each other, then they surely can figure out how to make their marriage work.
I wish Ms. Paltrow would work as hard getting the message contained in her above comment out to the universe of unilaterally divorcing spouses – the vast majority – as she is in getting her current message out which affects a very small minority.
Quote from: http://usat.ly/Qfqc9y