I adore reading about loving dads, guys who put their kids welfare first.
Those social interactions are only as weird as you make them. If you go with no expectations, no intentions and thinking positive thoughts, the experience will be positive.
Earlier this summer my daughter was in a play. I worked backstage but had tickets for all four shows. The second night I was a wreck, petrified that her father would show with the woman he moved in with the moment he left the house. My anxiety level was through the roof.
Just last week, my daughter was in another performance that ran over two weekends. I bought tickets for each show. I didn't look for him, I didn't care if he was there. I was there solely for the joy in watching and sharing in her experience and seeing her perform.
It's a big difference.
Like someone said earlier, it sounds like your former spouse is far too involved in your life. I keep very low expectations for my spouse (the father who spends an hour, if that, with my daughter and her brothers (if they're in town) a week (if that!)).
Just like us, our spouses have their strengths and weaknesses. Forgiving my spouse who left goes a long way in improving my life.
*hugs*
PS.. I bet you like take possession of the remote when watching Tide games.
