second time newcomer, back for more

[badcompany]

I agree. Worry is fear. I've known her for 13 years, been together for almost 7, married for almost 6. She's the mother of my kids. We've laughed and cried together. I don't want to lose her.

When I'm not working (12 hour shifts) I am watching my kids at home, because my wife is working (12 hour shifts)

The only hobbies I have are my iPhone, and I've been playing guitar for 15 years.

[badcompany]

Don't really have time for 'me'; one of the casualties of being a dad

[DaddyLongShanks]

I don't know how being a "dad" is supposed to be this much punishment. All work and no reward. You never get credit for anything, a scapegoat when things go wrong, your a stress resoivor, whipping boy, cuckhold, pool boy, maid and a piss ant.

Your rewards for being such a good dad, are being cheated on, made fool of because "they like you", no respect, caps and limits put on all your capabilities...

What a life. Of course that's before you become a "hot dad".

[badcompany]

I really don't know what to think. Her parents seem to think she's incredibly stressed out about her job and school.

[~ kd ~]

So what about doing some GAL that involves the kids? Or is there absolutely NO time that your W is not at home and can be a lone parent for a couple hours while you blow off steam at the gym or something?

[badcompany]

I could make arrangements. Level of self worth is low. Just a couple weeks ago W told me that her and the kids were lucky to have me, and her parents were glad that I stayed with her

Just beatin myself up over this

[~ kd ~]

Level of self worth is low.

That's understandable. You can get validation elsewhere. Just be sure it's not an A.

So GAL, GAL, GAL...

[NASCARDaddy]

BC I know that this is going to be hard to hear, I know it was for me, but you may have to take a step back. If she is saying that she feels smothered then she may need some time to sort things out. Don't leave your home or your kids but you may have to leave her side for awhile. One of the biggest mistakes I made in my marriage was that I continued to push her to make a decision. If I hadn't done that she might not have decided to file for divorce. So do yourself a favor, step back, breath and GAL, just make sure that she knows that you are there for her when she is ready.

[badcompany]

Very wise advice from both of you, yet so hard to follow.

This situation is very different from my previous problems 3 year ago, but it's the same woman, so we'll play it by ear and back off a little.

Thanks for helping me.

[badcompany]

Maybe I read too much into this ?

Just explained the whole story to my best friend, and he says I'm being irrational and am exaggerating things.