Do I have to end my friendship with a family member’s ex now that they are divorced? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks

In this episode I talk with Heidi and answer the question “Do I have to end my friendship with a family member’s ex now that they are divorced?” Heidi grew very close with the person who married into her family, and after that marriage ended Heidi’s family member asked her to cut contact with their ex. Heidi wants to be respectful, but she also really misses her friend.

I advise Heidi that her family member does not get to make decisions about Heidi’s relationships. They get to decide not to be married to this person, but they do not get to decide if Heidi can still be their friend. If she wants to, Heidi can reinitiate her friendship.