I agree w/Sotto on how you should address comments to your children. There is no way that anyone can predict whether the MLCer or the WS will return and want to reconcile. Why set your children up for disappointment if they return? Children don't forget what they are told and it would be a huge disappointment for them if their parent didn't return and they would also look at you as possibly covering up the truth. Choose your words wisely when speaking to your children. It's best to leave that sleeping beast in the closet until a reconciliation is on the horizon.
As for a LBS standing, that is a choice that you make. You may want to remain single for the rest of your life, i.e., waiting on him/her to return, but there is no harm in dating once the divorce is final. Then again, there is a good possibility that you will meet someone who will treat you so much better and you connect him/her on a far different level than you did your spouse. Again, this is a personal choice and as we all continue to move forward w/our lives, each and every day has surprises and no one knows what the future may hold for any of us.
Irish has done an excellent job of dealing w/his w's crisis and being there for his daughters. In my opinion, he's been a very good role model that his daughters will look up to now and forever.
