Going through a divorce is an emotional experience, even when you know it's the right thing to do. When we experience intense emotions, whether fear, anger, hurt, joy, or relief, we naturally want to share them with family and friends. However, there is such a thing as oversharing–and it can negatively impact your divorce and life in general.

Oversharing occurs when you divulge personal details about your divorce or relationship to people you aren't close with or who aren't comfortable hearing such information. You might be oversharing if you talk about private matters such as your financial arrangements, sexual relationships, opinions about your soon-to-be-ex, your children's feelings about the divorce, or particulars about the divorce proceedings or agreement. Posting inappropriate or compromising photos on social media can also be a form of oversharing.

Here are three main reasons why oversharing can be detrimental.

Information Shared Can Be Used Against You.

If you overshare while the divorce proceeding is ongoing, those details or photos might come back to haunt you. You're at the highest risk of receiving blowback if you share this information on social media. When you talk about private matters on the internet, you're broadcasting your personal business to a broad and indiscriminate audience. Your ex, your ex's lawyer, or even the judge might discover this information. Someone could screenshot it and share it with whomever they like. If the info casts you in an unfavorable light, your ex could use it against you in the divorce or child custody hearing.

Oversharing Can Damage Relationships.

When you overshare, you may injure personal relationships. Even if you parted on good terms with your ex, they might not appreciate you sharing certain details about your relationship or divorce. They may feel hurt or angry, negatively affecting their approach to the divorce or your co-parenting relationship.

Oversharing can also damage your relationship with your kids. When you bad-mouth the other parent or share too much information about your relationship with your children, you force them into a role they shouldn't be in. Your kids should never be an emotional crutch or sounding board for you, particularly concerning adult issues involving their other parent. Your children may become stressed, anxious, and resentful of you.

Oversharing Can Make You Feel Bad.

Sometimes oversharing can leave you vulnerable to a host of unsolicited opinions. You may feel hurt by these thoughts and judgments, or they could cause you to second-guess your decisions and send you down the rabbit hole of regret. Better to only unload with a therapist or friends and family whom you know will be discreet and supportive in the way that you need.

Reach Out to an Experienced New Jersey Family Lawyer

Divorce can be complicated under the best of circumstances. You need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to help guide you through the process and achieve the best outcome possible. Call Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his Family Law Team today at 888-535-3686 for a consultation, or schedule one online. Whether you seek a collaborative divorce or a traditional one, we are ready to help you move on to the next chapter of your life.