Hey Rob!!! It's been a while since you visited. Thanks for coming back.
Originally Posted By: Rob1231
Look at it this way - it beats running out and finding a new boyfriend!
I was never worried about that. The guilt from the first boyfriend weighed heavier on her mind than she expected. I have no doubt that she is done "running around."
Originally Posted By: Rob1231
In the long term, she's just made it even harder for herself to live on her own and make ends meet. None of this fits with the MLCer's urge to 'get outta here and live an exciting new life which I am sure would be terrific without Mark around!' She's adding to the pile of stuff that keeps the two of you bound together, even if indirectly. Take some comfort from that.
I completely understand that. Although I never said it explicitly, when I was making a futile effort to talk her out of getting the pup, I implied that it would make life on her own more difficult (and more expensive). Of course, it fell on deaf ears.
Originally Posted By: Rob1231
As far as what happens to the kids if you D, I will talk in terms of how my daughter would have reacted - the Big Deal to her would NOT have been who had a puppy, or who lived in a nicer house. She would have looked at W and I and seen that I had stood for the marriage, and that W had filed. My D is a very empathetic person, and saw the pain that I was going through - if she had been forced to choose between me and W, I think W would have been in for a nasty surprise.
I will be shooting for "shared custody" with no child support. So it's moot anyway.
Originally Posted By: Rob1231
I'm going to suggest an even further 180 for you, regarding the dog. Don't just agree to have it in your house - WELCOME IT...
Understand that my 180 on the dog was complete. I am an enthusiastic caretaker of the dog. I took him out to pee (and gave him a treat for his success) just before sitting down here. And I have made a vow to not get upset when he has an accident. It's here and it's not going anywhere, so any negative reaction that I have will be wasted energy. I will ask myself, what do I hope to accomplish by getting mad when the dog poops on the oriental rug? Nothing can be done about it, so grab a paper towel and clean it up!!! And no complaining about barking, whining, chewing things, etc. I will not permit myself to complain about anything.
BTW, you suggested that I play with the dog. That will not happen. Um, he's too tired from playing with the kids!!!!
Thanks again for the support. It means a lot to me.
