Life after divorce

In brief: Friendship after divorce - high-conflict edition

In this episode, Kate unpacks what it’s like to navigate shared friendships after a high-conflict split - and offers guidance for the friends caught in the middle.

8 October 2025
13 MIN
#159

In this episode, Kate unpacks what it’s like to navigate shared friendships after a high-conflict split - and offers guidance for the friends caught in the middle.

About the episode:

Kate begins by exploring how high-conflict separations can disrupt friendships and social circles, often leaving ex-partners feeling sidelined or isolated. She then shares practical guidance for separated couples - from setting clear boundaries to allowing space to grieve the loss of old friendship dynamics. The episode wraps up with advice for friends who want to support both sides, including why it’s important to avoid acting as a go-between and how to check in privately in a way that feels safe and supportive.

How to help a friend through a high-conflict separation

If someone in your friend group is going through a separation, small gestures of care can make a big difference - especially if there is a lot of tension between them. Here are some simple ways to support both people:

  • Offer to listen without providing solutions
  • Make sure they feel safe and cared for
  • Share compassion, but avoid taking sides or being the go-between
  • If certain boundaries are set, do your best to honour them (where practically possible)
  • Accept that your friendship with both of them (and the wider group) could change
  • Try to avoid being pulled into gossip or rumours
  • Remember to prioritise your wellbeing

You can find out more from our guide to helping a friend or family member through separation.

More resources:

The studies mentioned in this episode are Amato (2000), Afifi et al. (2015) and Symoens et al. (2013).

Got a question on divorce, separation or co-parenting you’d like us to cover? Share your thoughts with us at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram. They might be the topic of our next podcast!

We've created amicable space to give you more personalised support. Become a member of amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars, articles and an interactive community. You can share your questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Learn more and sign up here.

You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. 

amicable’s YouTube channel is full of practical guidance on separation, divorce and co-parenting, explained in a clear and supportive way. From expert tips to interviews, it’s a helpful place to find answers and feel more confident about what comes next.

Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@amicable_world 

Latest Episodes

The Divorce Podcast episode thumbnail
Separation stories
29 April 2026
47 MIN

Plot twist: Ebele Okobi's separation story

In this episode, Kate is joined by Ebele Okobi, who has held senior roles at OpenAI, Meta and Nike. But in this conversation, it's her separation story that takes centre stage. And this one is different – you'll want to stay right till the end to find out why.

#192
The Divorce Podcast episode thumbnail
Emotional journey
22 April 2026
27 MIN

In brief: Why emotions matter as much as the law in divorce

Divorce is an emotional journey with legal and financial consequences – but what happens when the professionals helping you through it don't understand that?

#191
The Divorce Podcast episode thumbnail
Separation stories
15 April 2026
43 MIN

Hal Cruttenden: no joke – the honest truth about divorce

Hal Cruttenden has found the funny side of divorce – most recently in his show 'Can Dish It Out But Can't Take It'. But in this conversation, he goes deeper and gets honest about what it's really been like.

#190

Listen to The Divorce Podcast on your favourite platform