The recent popularity of Amazon’s “The Idea of You” perhaps highlights the connection many viewers are feeling for the main character, Solene (played by Anne Hathaway), who finds love after a difficult divorce. According to this Vanity Fair article, the movie had over 50 million views in its first two weeks on Amazon, making it the number one rom com debut. https://variety.com/2024/film/news/the-idea-of-you-ratings-50-million-viewers-1236002566/
This article is for fans of the movie, who may also be facing or recovering from a divorce, and will highlight ideas inspired by the film on how to live your best life in your new situation.
If you are considering divorce, in the middle of the legal process, or if you need help post-divorce on issues such as modification, the importance of finding the right experienced family law attorney cannot be overstated. At the Law Office of David Knecht, we have extensive experience in all aspects of family law and can help you complete your own estate plan or assist you with properly administering the estate of a loved one who has passed. Contact us today at 707-451-4502.
Open Yourself Up to New Experiences
- In “The Idea of You,” the movie starts with the main character trying something new, camping, and evolves into her opening her mind to dating a man almost twenty years younger than her.
- One of the themes of the movie is allowing yourself to discover new things, break free of stereotypes, and find your passions.
- For many people, the journey to self-discovery during and after a divorce will involve expanding your hope, your interests, and your perspective to be open to new experiences.
Coparent with Grace
- In the movie, Solene was not appreciated as a wife by her ex, who cheated on her and choose the other woman. In spite of her ex’s shortcomings as a human, she was willing to sub in for him and take her daughter to the August Moon concert.
- Solene’s good deed to sub in for her husband led to the romance that changed her life.
- Similarly, many people are put in a position to have to choose the high road after divorce, where the ex is disappointing, unreliable, or even hostile. The takeaway lesson from the movie is that beauty can rise from ashes, and even though an ex may not deserve your kindness, a commitment to coparenting and to your child can lead to a happier life post-divorce.
Maintain Boundaries
- Solene’s ex’s wife in the movie wants to befriend Solene, and she refuses to get too close.
- Another best practice for living life to the fullest during or after a divorce is to hold firm on the boundaries that you feel comfortable with.
- Being a good person and choosing the high road in coparenting does not mean an abdication of your boundaries. Rather, setting your limits kindly, firmly and clearly will help you succeed in challenging situations.
Considering the Best Interest of Your Children
- In the movie, the fame and publicity of the romance between Solene and her young pop star boyfriend, Hayes, leads her to make the decision that she must break off the relationship for her teenage daughter.
- For others in a similar situation, the right decision might be different. The takeaway lesson is not that you can’t find love after divorce, but just that in doing so, you want to carefully consider all the ramifications for your children and their specific needs.
Time Can Be Heal Wounds
- In the movie, Solene and Hayes reconnect in five year when the circumstances are more conducive for their relationship to flourish.
- There is actually research to support the concept that time heals all wounds. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17554013/
- Patience can be your ally in creating a full and rich life after divorce because circumstances can change and people can adapt.
- If you feel frustrated with how things are in the present, there is hope that with time and effort, many problems can be addressed and many circumstances improved.
For More Ideas on Creating Your Best Life After Divorce
“The Idea of You” is a fun fictional foray about recovering and thriving after a divorce, and perhaps it has resonated with so many because of its message of finding happiness after hurt. We hope that fans of this rom com have enjoyed examining the lessons that can be learned from this dive into the themes of the flick. For legal help with a divorce, call the Law Office of David Knecht, (707) 451-4502. For information on ideas for creating your best life after divorce, see this healthline article: https://www.healthline.com/health/life-after-divorce.
