When you're going through the painful process of dissolving a marriage, the last thing you need is commentary from the public. Yet, if you are a person with any type of following, you'll find that your audience likely feels it's appropriate to weigh in on your most personal matters—constantly.
For example, singer Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce this year. After seven years of marriage, she and her husband, Brandon Blackstock, are separating. Clarkson filed for divorce in June. Months later, she spoke to a news outlet about the instant backlash she received. “My life has been a little bit of a dumpster,” she said.
If elements of your divorce make their way to the public eye, you might feel that there's not a lot you can do. However, with a little creativity, you can find ways to protect yourself and those you love.
- Take care of your mental health: You're already feeling intense emotions, positive or otherwise, as you end a relationship. Paying too much mind to what the public says can easily overwhelm you. Remember that strangers don't know the details of your relationship, even if they've scoured the Internet for public records.
- Find a therapist or a friend to speak to: When asked about how she's been dealing post-divorce, Clarkson said, “I don't know how people go through that without having some kind of outlet.” Sharing your experiences with someone you can trust can help you work through your pain without spilling needless information to the press.
- On the other hand, if your details are public already, perhaps it's time to lean in: Clarkson is releasing an upcoming album that promises to go into the emotional details of her relationship. However, it's important to note that she'll be leaning into how it felt to leave her husband - and not any incriminating details. If you find yourself in a position where people want to know about your divorce, coming up with a creative way to satisfy that curiosity without impractical vulnerability is a good way to go.
- Capitalize on your fame - and then, distract: If, even for just a moment, yours is a household name, perhaps there's something you can do with that. Clarkson, for example, is taking on additional roles this summer - perhaps to pivot the public eye away from intense scrutiny of her private life.
- Hire an experienced legal advisor to help you navigate your publicity: You will need assistance protecting yourself and your family in an event where your personal details get a little too public. Fortunately, you don't have to do this alone. If you have any questions about divorce and its aftermath in Gastonia or elsewhere, contact the Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC. Find us online, or call 704-470-2440today for a consultation.
