Former in-laws like to stay close

Marital separation is often a painful process, and it is often the case that ex husbands and wives don't really want to see a lot of each other once they have been through their divorce. However, it is apparently becoming a growing trend for parents to maintain a close relationship with their children's former spouses.

According to a report from the Canadian Press, more and more people are continuing to stay in touch with their former mother and father-in-laws despite no longer being married to their child.

They continue to have a good relationship with their so-called "friendly ex-laws" because they want to keep their children connected with their family, have strong bonds and common interests.

Lillian Carson, a psychotherapist and author of The Essential Grandparent's Guide to Divorce, commented: "People expect that you're divorcing the whole family and that's not necessary.

"You have to be open to accepting a new configuration of family. There is going to be a strain. It will be changed. But it's possible to weather that and still have nice family events."

One such example is that of Gloria Campbell Gallagher, who has maintained a good relationship with her former son-in-law, with whom she has similar tastes in music and films.

"It takes too much energy to be mad at someone - especially if they didn't do anything to you," she said.

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