We thought we’ve heard and seen it all but this is the first time we have encountered a smiling “divorce selfie” – and it seems we are not alone because when this rather rare selfie was posted on the web, it swiftly went viral and people are calling it brilliant!
But before you bash this “crazy” couple for making fun of court matters by taking their divorce selfie, they weren’t doing that, actually; though this photo is rather ironic.
Foremost, of course, is the fact that the two are smiling and seem to be celebrating something great when, in reality, they had just filed for a divorce and the shot was actually taken just outside Calgary Courts Centre in downtown Calgary.
Shannon Neuman explained that it really was a celebration of sorts – not about the divorce itself but the fact that they finally came into terms with the breakdown of their marriage, became friends again, and are ready to continue with their lives as “parenting partners” without being forced to stay together as a couple.
Her explanation does make sense.
They are not trying to make light of the fact that their marriage has dissolved.
In fact, Shannon insisted the marriage has been “mourned” [they have been separated for four years] but this does not change the fact that they have both moved on and are ready to take their relationship to another level – but not in the same level that people go to for their families.
They are doing it for their kids and they seem to have come to terms with that, too.
Here's Chris Neuman and I yesterday after filing for divorce! But we're smiling?! Yep, we're kooky like that. Are we…
Posted by Shannon Neuman on Thursday, August 27, 2015
To prove that there was no bad blood between them, the viral post even came with hashtags #teamneuman and #divorceselfie. Within a week after Shannon posted the photo of her and ex-husband Chris’ divorce selfie, close to 37,000 netizens have already shared her Facebook post.
A lot of people are extending their well wishes for the couple, weird as that might sound since this is not a marriage but the dissolution of one.
Many are also congratulating the couple for being strong and mature enough to realize that although they might not be in love with each other anymore, they still have a family to raise.
This fact makes Shannon happy in a way, as she explained how she and Chris would not have problems with weddings in the future because they would be on the same side of the family.
Yes, this is really weird but also quite admirable! We are one with the Facebook community on congratulating you two, Shannon and Chris, for decision. Cheers to your new life!
(via USA Today)
