And still struggling 2

[Jim1234]

Had lunch with W to discuss settlement. I got a little emotional on the way over, but when I got to the diner I was solid.

She sat down. We ordered. We talked for about 30 minutes over our food, about our kids, the issues they are having, what's going on in their lives. We talked for a while about her house and the problems she's having with her A/C and furnace. I tried to be supportive and just listen.

We had to discuss some things so we didn't waste time with the mediator, and I wasn't sure how long it would take, but it turned out to be only a minute's worth. She totally agreed with me about how to value her house, and the conversation moved on. We could have had the conversation via a 30 second text, but I was worried we were going to argue for an hour. I brought all sorts of supporting documents. It turned out to be a non-issue. We stayed for another hour just chatting.

Two things struck me as we were finishing up. First was that nearly all of the issues and problems we discussed were the direct result of her deciding to divorce and move out. I thought about bringing that up, but in the end figured she simply wouldn't hear it if it came from me.

The second was that we were having trouble over a few days getting together to discuss this and she suggested I could take her to lunch for her birthday tomorrow. I already had plans, so I told her so, sorry. I'm having lunch with two of our best friends. When I realized that, it kind of made me sad, but then the vindictive side of me hoped that she would ask about my plans, and I could tell her. She didn't ask, though.

Also, I just think it's strange that she asked to go to the movies on Monday, and then suggested I take her for lunch on her birthday.