Going through a divorce is tough. It’s a process that’s emotionally and mentally draining, and it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you have a friend who is going through a divorce, there are things you can do to help them through this difficult time. Here are some tips on how you can be a supportive friend during your friend’s divorce.

1. Listen to Your Friend Without Judgment

According to a United States Census Bureau poll, the top three causes of divorce are incompatibility (43%), infidelity (28%), and financial difficulties (22%). You should listen to them without judgment whether your friend’s divorce is due to one of these reasons or something else. Let them vent to you about their frustrations, and be a shoulder to cry on when they need it.

If your friend wants to talk about the details of their divorce, listen without giving your opinion. It’s not your place to judge what happened in their marriage; doing so will only make your friend feel worse. Just be there for them and let them know you support them, no matter what. If they don’t want to discuss their divorce, that’s okay too. Respect their wishes and don’t push them to open up if they’re not ready. Just let them know you’re there for them when they’re ready to talk.

2. Help Them Find Resources

If your friend is going through a divorce, they might not know where to turn for help. Be there for them and help them find the resources they need, whether it’s a good divorce lawyer, a therapist, or a support group. You can also offer to be a sounding board for them as they make decisions and navigate this difficult time.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a third of women and a fourth of men have suffered from domestic violence in America. If your friend is a victim of domestic violence, they might feel scared, alone, and helpless. Be there for them and help them get the resources and support they need to stay safe and get through this tough time.

3. Help Them With Their Kids

According to statistics, 75% of kids whose parents are divorced live with their mother, while 25% live with their father. If your friend has custody of their kids, they might need some help. Offer to babysit or watch the kids so your friend can have a break, even if it’s just for a few hours. You can also help them with homework, chauffeur them to extracurricular activities, or just spend time hanging out with them. If your friend’s kids are living with their other parents, they might be feeling sad, anxious, or angry. Be there for them and help them process these emotions.

4. Be Understanding

Divorce is a difficult process, and it’s important to be understanding during this time. Your friend might not be able to participate in activities like they used to, or they might cancel plans at the last minute. They might also be short-tempered or withdrawn. Just remember that your friend is going through a lot, and try to be understanding.

5. Help Them Take Care of Themselves

When people are going through a tough time, they often forget to take care of themselves. Help your friend remember to do things like eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep, and take breaks when they need them. You can also offer to help out with day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping or cooking. Just let your friend know you’re there for them and want to help in any way you can.

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, but with the support of friends and family, it can be easier to get through. If you have a friend who is going through a divorce, use these tips to be there for them. Just remember to be understanding, supportive, and helpful during this difficult time.