Hi Alpha, I think neigbourly is your watchword here. What might you talk to your neighbour about and how would you be when talking to them? Have that in your mind.

Also have in your mind the positive things you want your W to see. You're coping well with this, you're a good dad, an interesting person and so on. You don't want to go overboard with these - like trying to be superdad or mega upbeat - or it will seem false, but you want to act in accordance with these things.

You may even want to have some 'safe' subjects to hand, and turn to them if in any doubt. Weather, news items, work (as long as OM isn't work), hobbies and so on.

Of course, what the kids have been doing is a good one.

But never stray into R territory, and if she tries to, avoid talking about it if you can. Say, if she raised something at bowling, you could say - let's not discuss this here, we can talk another time if you want. But then don't arrange the other time or ever bring it up again...

Hope this helps a little...

T 13 M 7
Me 48 H 46
SS 15
BD 7.14 PA
D final 5.16 (H filed)

We receive & we lose, and must try to achieve gratitude & embrace with whole hearts whatever of life that remains after the losses - Dubus