18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses

[OnMyWay]

I'd love to stay here. I'd love to have my kids see their dad and hopefully have us work out some sort of long term monogamous relationship instead of a divorce. BUT, not at any cost. Not for my financial (spending money I do not have) or mental (cutting out all activities and living in a crappy 1 bedroom apartment to cut costs) health. Neither of those things help me or the kids.

I'd tell him exactly this. This is honest, how you feel, straight to the point, and completely reasonable.

Consider copying and pasting this into an email and send it to him. You wouldn't be putting him in any position where he needs to take action (which he obviously wants to avoid). It leaves the door open, yet sets clear boundaries as to what needs to happen. I like it.