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The Forwardly Five: January



#1. This trend.


Gray Divorce is on the rise—and in the news.


Gray divorce—the term for divorces among couples over 50—is a rising trend across the U.S. In fact, more than one in three divorces now involves someone over 50 - a rate that has tripled since 1990. Even Kelly Ripa recently joked about getting a “gray divorce” from her husband Mark Consuelos. But behind the humor is a growing recognition that these breakups bring unique challengesemotionally, financially, and socially—as couples navigate longer life spans and evolving relationship expectations.




 

#2. This question.


"What Small Thing Would Help Right Now?"


Sometimes we can’t solve a friend’s big problem—a divorce, the death of a parent, or a struggling child. But we can show up in small, meaningful ways. A walk. A coffee drop-off. Picking up their kids. In this piece from Cup of Jo, writer Abigail Rasminsky reflects on how a friend’s simple gesture—offering an ice cream sandwich during a difficult time—left her feeling welcome and seen. 





 

#3. This billboard.


Spotify’s Remix: Work Where You Want


While other companies double down on office mandates, Spotify is sticking to its work-from-anywhere policy—and making its stance crystal clear. HR chief Katarina Berg explained the company's position: “You can’t spend a lot of time hiring grownups and then treat them like children. Work is not a place you come to—it’s something you do.”




 

#4. This book.


We’ve pre-ordered Ping, an evidence-based guide to better communication by text, email, phone, video, and yes, even social media. Award-winning professor and consultant Andrew Brodsky offers surprising tips to avoid misunderstandings and make genuine connections. His advice? That meeting could have been an email. And that email? Maybe it should have been a voice note. (Really!) Also, it’s okay to turn off your camera sometimes—it might even be better.



 

#5. This conversation.



Forwardly was honored to present to The Conference Board’s Wellbeing Council in Brooklyn recently, kicking off our hour-long presentation about relationship wellness with a promise to "give some time back" to this busy group (always a good way to win over a crowd!). But thanks to the thoughtful participation of the leaders in the room, the conversation ran over time—because when discussions are this meaningful, no one’s watching the clock. We left inspired by the council’s passion for improving workplace wellbeing—and grateful to be part of it.

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