Divorce Parties

Have you heard of these? I have not attended one but I was aware that they exist. There seem to be two types:

Women who have some cocktails, put his photos on a pinata and take turns bashing his face in; or

A couple who chooses to throw a party to celebrate their years together right before they go their separate ways.

I'm sounding like an oldie but both versions of this party give me the creeps. I hear the Belle in my head, "That is not proper behavior." I'm trying to imagine the invitation. Is it:

Bring your favorite baseball bat, or
Bring your favorite memory?

As much as I hate the idea, there is a little logic to it. You invite your friends and family to watch you join as a union. They celebrate your accomplishments and your family over the years. When you end it, it extends far beyond the two innocents who said, "I do." It changes lives. It makes friends question their own relationships. It is not fair to children. Parents on both sides wonder where they went wrong. Traditions get changed and rearranged.

I picked up a small book called, The Divorce Party by Laura Dave. I believe it is her first novel. The concept is simple: one woman at the beginning of her marriage and one woman at the end of hers. Their intertwining struggles made me laugh and cry. It's a quick read: a few hours on the beach or an evening alone. I hope you'll read it.

I have no plans to get divorced. If, Heaven Forbid, that were to happen. I will not have a party.

Announcements and Invitations

The baby recently graduated from high school. His other mother and I each sent announcements to our family and friends. (It sounds like we're gay but we just share a child.)

I'm perplexed at the number of people who don't understand an announcement. I learned from my mother and Emily Post that invitations are inviting you to something and announcements are announcing a life change. I receive baby announcements -- I was not invited to the birth.

When the husband and I got married umpteen years ago, we sent announcements. Most of our friends and family had witnessed previous ceremonies. No gift needed -- just an fyi that something has changed.

I'm getting less formal but I still refer to my friend, Emily Post. Of course, I always check with my mother.