Gwyneth Paltrow announced her decision to “consciously uncouple” from soon-to-be ex-husband Chris Martin on her lifestyle webpage Goop on Wednesday. Sources have been discussing Paltrow’s creative phrasing — and similarly nontraditional beliefs and process — ever since. From refusing mediation for child custody and describing uncontested divorce attorneys as “uncoupling facilitators,” few argue that Paltrow has her own unique way of doing things.
Paltrow Dishes On “Consciously Uncoupling”
What exactly is “consciously uncoupling?” Paltrow and Martin have been relatively open about their uncontested divorce with children — and how they prefer to refer to it and go about it. In addition to skipping child custody attorneys and making custody decisions amicably, Paltrow and Martin plan to go as far as to have an uncoupling ceremony. According to The Huffington Post,” It will be ceremony officiated by [Paltrow’s] ‘very good friend’ Kabbalah guru Michael Berg and her other ‘very good friend’ Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgealt.” In a bizarre spin on tradition, “[Paltrow] will wear a custom uncoupled pantsuit by Stella McCartney… It’ll be white. There will be an acoustic number by Chris, with the kids singing backup,” The Huffington Post continued. The splitting couple emphasize that they will remain friends and stay civil for their children.
Is “Consciously Uncoupling” the Way to Go?
News groups seem almost equally divided, either praising the couple for their creativity (NPR) or criticizing the couple for being a bit too off-the-wall and perhaps a bit pretentious. True, Paltrow and Martin’s uncoupling ceremony may be a bit much, but — remaining friendly and putting children first is never a bad thing. If couples can learn to stay amicable and downplay the stress of a divorce, it is likely to benefit everyone involved.
Paltrow and Martin’s conscious uncoupling may or may not kick off a new trend. Whether or not motion gains nation-wide popularity, reducing the stress of uncontested divorce with children — and putting children’s needs first — is a valuable takeaway from the nontraditional situation.
