101 Ways to Move Forward After A Midlife Divorce

Tip # 62. Host a neighborhood party. For a while, one of the casualties of a midlife divorce is your social life. Early on, I knew that my ex-husband and his girlfriend were going to all the social functions that he and I had always gone to together. She was going to gatherings with “our” life-long friends while I sat at home. It was a dreadful time especially after our last child left home for college, and all the school functions were gone as well. One of the good things I did in between the sobbing was to organize and host a neighborhood gathering in the homey neighborhood I had moved to after our divorce. I made up a fun invitation and sent it around the surrounding few blocks. Everyone brought a snack and I provided the beverages. It was a fantastic party! It allowed me to meet my new neighbors and introduce myself. Everyone was excited to come, and it gave the whole neighborhood an excuse to get together. I had a chance to explain my situation in a lighthearted way, (and to a few I expressed my gratitude that I had survived the whole ordeal without killing anybody!) We had a great time. After that, I was invited to other neighborhood parties and developed closer relationships with specific neighbors. And people were unbelievably friendly and eager to help if I needed anything. Having a good relationship with your neighbors is a wonderful blessing. So go ahead and have your own party. You'll find all kinds of great people all around you!