Friends, Relatives, Emotional Vampires, and Your Divorce

n this solo episode, Mardi Winder takes a heartfelt and honest look at what really happens to our friendships and family connections during divorce, which is a topic that often gets swept under the rug. Drawing on both her own experience and what she’s seen with her divorce coaching clients, Mardi talks about the complicated emotions and surprising realities that come with shifting from “we” to “me.” She explains that for many people, the loss or distance of friends during divorce isn’t personal, but more about the other person’s own discomfort, beliefs, or even fear about their own relationships.Mardi shares how the landscape of support was different when she went through her divorce years ago, and how today’s public-facing online lives can sometimes add to feelings of isolation, even when it looks like we’re surrounded by people. She explores why some friends seem to disappear just when you need support most, reminding listeners that not everyone knows how to show up, and sometimes they just can’t. Mardi encourages you not to chase after those who pull away, suggesting this might be the right time to clear out relationships that aren’t authentic or supportive.She talks about evaluating who really belongs in your inner circle, and not being afraid to let go of “fair-weather friends.” Mardi also gets real about those people who love drama, often called the “chaos cheerleaders” or “emotional vampires”, who show up during crises like divorce and feed off the turmoil. She offers practical red flags for recognizing these types and talks about protecting your emotional energy by keeping firm boundaries and not oversharing.This episode is ultimately about finding your footing when your personal world feels turned upside down. Mardi’s advice is relatable, warm, and practical, reminding you that, even if your support system changes during divorce, you have the right, and the ability, to build a circle that’s genuinely there for you. Connect with Mardi: [email protected] https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/ https://www.newstreamingnetwork.com/team-1/mari-winder-adams