Good morning Arty (or RT).
There's more to the story perhaps? I'm thinking there are some things left out, but some of the clues point strongly as to why things are going on. You don't have a lot of input in this ride...

But you can control your actions. They are very important, especially right now for your W and your kids. No matter the outcome between you and W.

Quote:
As for why I lied when I sent my text? Technically it wasn't a lie if it was true and I was being truthful. I just avoided the "whole" truth. I still don't know yet how to handle my W so I'm being very distant because I don't approve of her decision. Telling her I don't approve may very well prove to be more fuel to drive her further along her path. I don't know.
And yet, somehow lying is better? I'll have to disagree with you there. I've been there and while my situation was a little different (she hated me and had many conversations in her head long before I got there. Those just fueled her fire..) I can tell you that lying gets you nothing. Everyone sees through it so fast you won't be done with the sentence before she knows it. It may be that you aren't ready to share with her, but it's ok to tell her that. It's ok to tell her you don't know if you can be friends with her. You'd like to get back to her on that one after some more thought about what you want from her. (note, that will likely make her really upset but the truth is something the two of you lack is it not?) What I'm getting at is that you are not telling the truth. She knows that. That is just going to breed mistrust as well it should.

Why not just be "wholly" honest?

One other thought. You already have an idea why she wants to be friends and why your son says BS right? Your actions here and now will shape his life for a very long time (that's always been the case, but...) Figure out exactly what you want him to learn from this and what he should value according to your values. Do it sooner than later though.. That would be my suggestion.

Happy Father's Day!

AJ


"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" MLK
Put the glass down...
"Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world
Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."