While divorcing parents battle it out with each other, the innocents often get hit with the shrapnel.
My parents have officially called it quits and at the beginning of this month began the process of dividing property with my father moving out of the house and my mother staying until it sells. The settlement was done without lawyering on each side other than making sure it was legal. So although feelings are hurt and bitterness from years of anger at each other remain, things are at least civil.
Unfortunately, the battle still goes on. The two don’t talk to each other without sniping and can’t seem to talk about each other without doing the same. I understand why there is a need to look better than the other but all the advice I have received thus far in the process from other ACODs (Adult Children of Divorce) is to stay out of the middle.
I’ve made it very obvious that when one insults the other I will leave the room or abruptly terminate the conversation, no matter how accurate or truthful the statement was. For example: if one makes a comment about the other’s character in a disrespectful manner, I will turn around and leave. To allow the disrespect to continue will give permission to the offender to use me.
What do you think? Am I too harsh? Do I not care what my mom and dad are going through?
