How do you do THIS part...

[ClingingToHope]

I had three mediation sessions. The first I was determined to get my point across. That didn't go well at all. We just argued. So the final two I did my very best to listen and give short answers and let XW talk.

She almost even talked herself into 50/50 custody -- which would have meant shared costs instead of me giving her $11k every year.

Then she remembered she wanted that money and talked herself out of it. But I got Sundays nights and a couple of other things and it just calmed everything down.

I remember after thinking why didn't I act like that through the marriage. I was always eager to make sure I got my point across. I have since learned that's always THE WRONG THING TO DO.