Though it’s definitely becoming more and more common in modern society, divorce can still be one of the hardest and messiest events that a family can endure.
Not only does it mark the end of a union between two people, but it is complicated and draining on the human psyche. At least, it used to be.
There seems to be a new Instagram trend wherein divorcing couples take a happy selfie together while finalizing their split, then they share it via social media with the hashtag #divorceselfie, much like they would an engagement or wedding photo. This must be what true happiness looks like…
The new selfie trend sweeping the social media photo sharing app Instagram has divorcing couples sharing a final smiling picture together using the hashtag #divorceselfie, while they finalize their split. They then share the photo with their followers, just as they would an engagement photo…
“It’s been a wild ride. The separation may have been longer than the marriage but after 8 years we are finally calling it quits. Couldn’t have asked for a better partner or friend in raising my son. Here’s to you #Burd! ❤️ #divorceselfie On to the next chapter…,” Instagram user damexican captioned his post.
While Instagram user marskillo captioned their photo, “Officially unofficial. Six years separated, forever free. Today, we can’t even. The fish is happy, too. Wtf is up with that? #divorceselfie #byefelicia #sweetfreedom.”
The lighthearted approach may just be the key to helping these people get through what is typically a trying time for married couples officially calling it quits. “More excited than on our wedding day. #heresyoursign” Instagram user healthy_happy_mom_ captioned her post.
While most couples are quick to share a photo of their wedding or engagement, these divorcing couples are flipping that cliche on its dull head. Instagram user nic_nack89 captioned her divorce selfie post, “#divorceselfie Glad we can still be friends and laugh at this.”
Many couples use the opportunity of sharing their divorce selfie to make a quick joke about the actual unhappiness of their marriage. “After 16 years, we finally gave each other the perfect #ValentinesDay #anniversary gift… A #divorce,” Instagram user shellypicarella wrote.
These couples are proving to others who may be going through the same difficult time that even when things get complicated and tough, you can still be happy. “‘Can we take a divorce selfie?’ ‘Duh. In front of the eagle?’” Instagram user emilyrose920 wrote.
It wasn’t long before local radio stations were sharing some of the photos with the #divorceselfie hashtag. “#RozandMocha: Shannon & Chris a Calgary couple’s #divorceselfie, taken in front of the Calgary Courts Centre in downtown Calgary after they had filed for divorce, has gone viral,” Kiss925 captioned their photo.
Many of the people who are using the hashtag #divorceselfie are using captions that let others know their divorce is something worth celebrating. “Celebrating a successful divorce,” Instagram user
matmonroe wrote.
“Divorce is final. Think we get along better now then when we where married. #itsofficial #divorceselfie #stillfriends #timeforcoffee,” Instagram user feenix818 wrote in her divorce selfie post. You have to admit, they sure do look happy.
While most of the posts have been lighthearted, some couples’ messages are a bit more somber. “We’ll be legally divorced in 120 days, four days after my 40th birthday. Bittersweet day. We hugged and cried outside the courthouse. A homeless dude didn’t let that stop him from asking us for change, tho.” Instagram user startswithanx wrote.
Some of the couples are even using the movement as an opportunity to have one celebration together. “We went to court and got divorced today, and then went out for a beer and a selfie. Totally normal, right? Seems appropriate because nothing we’ve ever done is normal. I’m grateful to this guy for 25 sometimes good, sometimes not-so-good, years together,” a portion of what emilysaraolsen wrote read.
This couple decided to lend their divorce announcement a little bit of tongue-in-cheek humor with the hashtags “#HappyEnding #GameOver.” Instagram user davidgomezl wrote these in his brief celebratory post.
In all, the prevailing message of the divorce selfie seems to be that it is possible to have an amicable breakup. “Officially divorced this afternoon. Here’s our #DivorceSelfie to commemorate the occasion. We also went to lunch afterwards. We couldn’t make our marriage work, but there’s no reason to fight,” kindofsummer captioned her photo.
In all, the prevailing message of the divorce selfie seems to be that it is possible to have an amicable breakup. “Officially divorced this afternoon. Here’s our #DivorceSelfie to commemorate the occasion. We also went to lunch afterwards. We couldn’t make our marriage work, but there’s no reason to fight,” kindofsummer captioned her photo.
While it may seem sad that these couples are officially ending their marriages, it goes to show that a positive attitude has a huge impact on even the most difficult of life experiences.
