We’ve got author and humor columnist Kimberly Harrington on the show, and we’re talking about her excellent new book, But You Seemed So Happy, which is about divorce in general and her highly unconventional divorce in particular, and explores the many outdated stigmas surrounding the decision not to be married anymore. This may sound like a bummer of an episode, but it’s quite the opposite—Kimberly’s hilarious—so give it a listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. And why not join our Patreon? We’ve got a Patreon-only live Zoom event happening this coming Thursday—the last one was super-fun— and it’s not too late for you to be a part of it.
I was surprised by the confusion expressed in the episode over why people are reluctant to want to hear about divorce, and the “stigma” around it. People are uncomfortable hearing about other people’s divorces because they don’t want to think about the fragility of their own current or potential marriages.
I look forward to the podcast every week, but the lack of nuance in this one really surprised me. I married on the later side, and I am so glad that I did not marry any the guys I was involved with in my 20s and early 30s, but I certainly know people who married young and are still going strong. The negativity and dismissiveness was just kinda sad.
I’m halfway through the book and Kimberly’s experience resonates with me. This is basically where my marriage is (divorage? Marrvorce? Kimberley help me out here). Enormous relief to see written what I’m going through.
I loved the podcast and conversation – but the use of the term divorce is pretty wonky here – they still live together, co-parent, haven’t actually divorced, and are NOT dating anyone else. Sounds like marriage to me.
I agree, and while intrigued, I was ultimately disappointed in this episode…. because, she’s not actually divorced. I admittedly didn’t listen to the entire episode, but it seems they continue to live under the same roof. Do their finances remain entanged? Do they file joint taxes? Do they still share a Netflix and cell phone accounts? Do they continue to socialize as a couple? If so, I consider them still married, not divorced. It seems instead that she and her husband had made a conscious decision to shift their marriage to a companionate one, and I wonder why she doesn’t use that term instead. It seems she is still enjoying the legal, social, and financial benefits of marriage.