As far as in laws go...I'm sure it's just as hard on them as it is on us when people go their separate ways. As much as we don't know how to react, going through the entire situation, how much harder is it for them not knowing everything? I was lucky the my in laws let me know that I will always be family (though they did see wht their daughter did in the end and didn't agree with it). If you are pretty tight with SIL, why not sit down and just discuss everything with her? What's the worst that can happen?
My date...was AMAZING! We have really hit it off. We text a lot and she has shown that she is really interested in me and wants to do everything with me. The only thing I worried about (and her and I talked about it) is that she is a bit young (24 and I am 40). I guess we will see how it goes... Wonder what my step daughter will think about it when she gets back...
You keep working on you and your kids. You are still doing so good. Regardless what happens in all of this, I know you are going to be ok and will make the best of it!