I can do this...

[punkin]

Irish,

Remember how you 'put on a happy face' at the shower? Your husband does the very same thing in public. What he feels deep down inside, when he is alone and it is dark outside, that is when the truth he refuses to face haunts him. You have this Board to come to. What does he have? A bartender? (No offense to any bartenders on this board intended)

He can only push reality away when he is around other people. Otherwise, he'd look like the fool he is. Most men I know, including my H, can't bear to look like a fool.

As far as separate celebrations go, you have to way the alternative. Would you be happier if he had no contact with son at all? Would your son? He's old enough to make his decision in regard to that part, but which way would you, as his mother, steer him? Taking the high road is H@)), but we make it somehow.

I know how much it hurts. My H has turned any contact I have with my stepson and his family into a contest.

Just keep being the Mom you are, and your son needs.

Keep passing the open windows.