As you navigate divorce, its common to have questions and concerns about your friendships.

Concerns like these are totally valid, but you have some power in this situation.

It can also be an opportunity to branch out and make new friends.

two friends holding hands and consoling one another

Delmaine Donson / Getty Images.

Its hard not to feel betrayed when a friend stays close to your ex, she says.

Whats the best way to figure this out?

Strategies for Navigating Friendships Post-Divorce

Figuring out how tomanage your friendshipsafter divorce can be tricky.

Thats why its important to have a strategy for how to manage them.

English advises recent divorcees to share their feelings and requests with their friends as openly as possible.

But its not essential to only have friends who are fellowsingle parents.

Dealing With Awkward Situations

Lets face it: friendships afterdivorcecan be mega-awkward at times!

Awkward situations are almost unavoidable, but some preparation can save you from discomfort, English assures.

Heres an example from Shelton:

‘Weve decided to part ways.

English recommends setting up intentions and a game-plan beforehand.

Focus on your own behaviorapproach the situation with grace and choose to sit near supportive individuals, she says.

It’s also okay to politely excuse yourself from scenarios that feel emotionally draining.

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Heres some science-backed tips to help.Monitor on Psychology.

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