Divorce is rarely a win-win. Not only does it hurt adults and children, but surprisingly, we learned that divorce hurts taxpayers as well.
We reported on this in April but in light of today’s economy, it bears repeating. It also is a sobering look how messy divorce really is and it provides solid reasons for mediation, compromise, and working together.
“In first-ever research, a new report quantifies a minimum $112 billion annual taxpayer cost from high rates of divorce and unmarried childbearing. It identifies national, state and local costs which account for more than $1 trillion in the last decade. This landmark scholarly study, entitled “The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing: First-Ever Estimates for the Nation and All 50 States,” was released at the National Press Club by four renown policy and research groups-Institute for American Values, Georgia Family Council, Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, and Families Northwest. With this startling news, perhaps more attention will be paid to strengthening marriages. ”
They are suggesting that states do more to help strengthen and promote the concept of marriage as we have said in many of our posts. New Report
Perhaps it is time to rethink the value of togetherness and show children that two people can give to each other unselfishly for the sake of unity and love. Marriage Education
We like the concept proposed by Michelle Weiner-Davis, best selling author and marriage therapist. She believes in saving marriages. Divorce Busting!
It is important to watch our words, which often become irreconcilable differences. Perhaps if more couples watched their words, or listened to the tone of their voices – a greater respect for each other might develop into supportive words, forgiving words, or no words at all. I am not talking about the silent treatment, but rather the magic in a silent smile, a loving look into another’s eyes, a gentle touch.
A word about touch, it was reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine that a warm touch lowers stress and blood pressure. Here is a report from USA Today: Healing Touch.
During this time of economic stress, people are fighting. But some couples are taking an innovative approach and using frequent flyer miles to take a night off and escape to a local hotel. It might be a good way to reconcile your differences. No frequent flyer miles? Then call Denny Crane at Boston Legal and tell him that you want to make a deal.
Copyright 2008 Rita Watson