This blog has previously covered numerous stories about marriages falling apart, couples fighting and acrimonious splits, but not every divorce has to be like that. The divorce process can be, and sometimes is, a much easier and happy event than the more typical divorce. While certainly not every marriage will end with a party marking a happy transition into single life, as divorces become more acceptable, there may be an increase in the number of people who can say they are happily divorced.

There have been relatively high divorce rates in Virginia and across the country for decades, but the increase in divorce may be related to a greater acceptance of divorce. Years ago, it was only those who were utterly miserable or abused that would seek out a divorce. Now that there is no shame in ending a marriage, even those people who are only somewhat unhappy are more willing to leave a marriage. Although some may see this as couples not taking the vows of marriage seriously, it may make it much easier for couples to go their separate ways and be relatively happy apart.

As couples are able to split in better spirits, many are turning to a new kind of event to celebrate the end of the marriage and the start of a single life -- divorce parties. Whether you are just amicable and still on speaking terms because of children or have transformed a once-passionate relationship into a solid friendship, divorce parties are catching on across the country. One divorce party planner has even called these celebrations cathartic.

While a divorce doesn't need to be negative, just because a couple has happily divorced doesn't mean they will continue to be friends after a split. Famed Hollywood actress Fran Drescher said that it takes considerable time and energy to be friends with an ex. According to her, it takes just as much commitment to being friends after a divorce as it does to be happily married.

Source: The Daily Beast, "Divorce Parties on the Rise as Divorce Becomes Acceptable," Rebecca Dana, Feb. 13, 2012