WHG: And so we file...

[workinghardguy]

Ended up with some unexpected time with my S and SD tonight. STBX got home from her camping trip and right away called me. I was actually napping so I missed her calls but called her back eventually. She asked if S could come over for a while. She said that all weekend he was saying he missed his dad, wanted dad to be there with him, and wanted to see me. I could tell that this fact really chapped her, however I see it as a good sign that my S is asserting his feelings.

I did have plans for getting some stuff done around here, but I missed the kids too so I agreed. When I got there STBX had to toss in a few barbs, which is actually unusual for her so I can tell it was really bothering her. She told me that she thinks all this "dad talk" is just S's way of manipulating her and making her feel bad for the D. Umm... yes, yes it is. And she tossed in that she thought he was going through video game withdrawl, inferring that S didn't necessarily miss me, just getting to play with electronics.

I didn't rise to the bait. First I know she's bone tired... a weekend of camping and waterparks with kids is draining, period. And second I could see that what my S was saying really was eating at her. It seemed to be that going down that road was just rubbing salt in the wound. She can offer all the defenses and justifications she wants, but the sense I got was that she was trying to convince herself that these were the reasons, more than she was trying to convince me.

STBX was also a bit chappy that I bought a new truck Clearly it surprised her (even though I had mentioned needing a new one for some time as the tranny and engine were dying on my old van). I think it more surprised her that I didn't tell her ahead of time. But why would I? None of her business, we're legally separated now.

So S and I hung out. Made some dinner, took the dog for a walk, read some new books. Then I picked up SD and we all went to see Ice Age 4 after cruising in the new ride for a while