- When a friend is divorcing, it matters to listen and acknowledge their feelings, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with their view.
- Be patient with them, and don’t judge their decisions or the way they handle the situation.
- You can help with practical tasks such as moving house, organising paperwork or even buying groceries, and encourage your friend to look after themselves.
- A divorce does not end when the papers are signed. Keep in touch with them after the process is over.
Divorce is hard and emotional for anyone, and in Hong Kong traditional values and social expectations can make it a taboo subject.
That can leave people going through a divorce even more isolated. This is where a friend can step in and give vital emotional support.
Listen to your friend and acknowledge their feelings
It matters to let your friend know you are there for them and that their feelings are valid, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with their view.
Going through a divorce can be a traumatic, emotional experience, and your friend may need someone to talk to and share their feelings with.
Be patient and don’t judge
- Divorce can be long and complicated, and your friend may find it hard to talk openly about what they are going through.
- Be patient with them, and don’t judge their decisions or the way they handle the situation.
- Everyone handles things differently, and your friend may cope in ways that are different from yours.
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- Divorce mediation in Hong Kong: the process and its benefits
Is a friend going through a divorce?
If in doubt, feel free to contact our dedicated consultants.
Help with practical tasks and encourage self-care
Divorce can feel overwhelming, and your friend may need help with practical tasks, for example:
- Moving house
- Organising paperwork
- Even just buying groceries
Offer to help with these tasks wherever you can, and don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves.
Encourage self-care
Divorce can affect a person’s mental and physical health, so it is important to encourage your friend to look after themselves. This can include:
- Exercise
- Eating well
- Getting enough sleep
- Seeking professional help when needed
Stay with them, even after the divorce is over
A divorce does not end when the papers are signed. Your friend may keep needing emotional support, even after the process is over.
Stay in touch and let them know you are still there for them, even if they no longer need you as much as before.
- Benefits of family mediation for Hong Kong families
- Is a wife always entitled to half the assets on divorce?
- Rebuilding your life after divorce: how to look after yourself and start again
Does your friend still need support after the divorce?
Get in touch, and a dedicated consultant will first understand your situation.
Help them find a support group
Divorce can be isolating, and a support group of people with similar experiences can help your friend.
Hong Kong has a range of online and offline support groups, and you can help your friend find the one that suits them best.
Remind them of their strengths
- Divorce can shake a person’s confidence, so it is important to remind your friend of their strengths and of what they can be proud of.
Let them know they can get through this difficult time, and that they are not alone.
How to support your friend through a divorce
Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, but with the right support your friend can get through it.
When supporting a friend, keep these key points in mind:
- Listen and acknowledge their feelings
- Be patient and don’t judge
- Help with practical tasks
- Encourage self-care
- Support them even after the divorce is over
- Help them find a support group
- Remind them of their strengths
Your friend will be grateful for your steady support, which can make a big difference in this hard time.
Facing a difficult, emotional process?
Feel free to check your situation with us.
