Former Spouses Who are Friends: Three Case Studies

Abstract

Within the larger context of modified analytic induction, each of the three case-study couples in this article was selected to address questions that emerged during the research process about the nature and development of friendships between former spouses. The cases confirmed earlier descriptive findings on these friendships, the importance of perceived intentions, and de-escalation as a path to friendship after romantic involvement. The cases also yielded new findings. Modification and de-escalation emerged as additional paths to friendship. Partners of one couple disagreed whether they were friends, yet they were able to co-parent cooperatively. Also, focus of friendship varied; the partners of one couple focused on their children, whereas the partners of the other two couples focused on each other. These findings bridge the divorce and friendship literatures and have relevance for other types of friendships.