Q How to survive a grey divorce SOLO MISSION ARAGAY

ADJUSTING TO BEING SINGLE AGAIN CAN BE A TOUGH TRANSITION. HERE’S HOW TO MAKE IT SMOOTHER

With 70 being the new 50, the proportion of divorces among couples who have been married for 20-plus years is on the rise – hitting 27 per cent in 2020, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

If you’re newly single, you’ll be going through a lot of adjustments. After you’ve dealt with the hurt and practical arrangements involved in a relationship ending, the task of getting comfortable with your single status begins.

“The period after a break-up can often be destabilising as people have to redefine who they are, what they like and what they want for their life and future, which can feel hard at first,” says psychologist Gemma Cribb, author of the book, Doing Single Well.

“Often your partner was the ready-made listening ear, shoulder to cry on, practical helper, advice-giver and company for a night in. Being happy single means finding ways to meet all those needs and more with your wider support system or developing a support system to meet your needs if you don’t have one. It can feel daunting at first, but once you meet your needs with reliable people, you can regain your happiness.”