I think you just have to accept that your W is not going to help you improve your self esteem so you need to stop looking to her for that. Look elsewhere for people who appreciate you and can tell you you're doing well. Coming here is one such place. There are many people on here, including myself, who can see a huge improvement in you since you started posting. Don't let your W take that away from you. Don't let her own irrational behaviour take you down. It's her who's acting like the spoiled child and you need to rise above that.
I know it's easier said than done but try and look at it objectively. Her opinion of you at this moment in time is not the issue and it doesn't in any way reflect realistically on the person you are. Focus on the things she's doing wrong right now and draw strength from them. I know in your place I too would be really pissed at her for arguing in front of the kids when she knows it upsets them. At this moment in time your W has a real mean streak and quite frankly is not being a very nice or fair person. Is that the type of person whose opinion is worthy or accurate? I would suggest not. Take control of these situations Mark. Like Karen said, break off the conversation as soon as she's getting in to that arguing mode. I also agree with PM though. You shouldn't change your agreed times with your kids so far as possible. You need to be a rock for them. I would suggest that everything else in your life needs to be changed before that. If you have a therapy session, get it rescheduled. It's too late to do that now but bear it in mind for next time. You have to come across as a strong and dependable father.
Kev
Me: 32, Wife: 22 Son: 2 Married: 2 years Separated: January 5th 2009
Sometimes you have to become lost before you can find yourself.
