LB55, I completely disagree about the beach scenario.
What if Sara and the other W had behaved in the same way as the men, "Bye! We're heading off down to this other area of the beach"? The kids are just left without any adult supervision? (And Sara's kids are still young.)
One parent shouldn't have to explain to the other parent that they have a responsibility to actually parent.
You can't take kids to the beach and then not supervise them.
This is not a covert contract, it's expecting adults to behave like adults.
Sara, I wish I had something wise to say. It's been a long road for you, and I admire your strength and your commitment to have made it this far.
Me: 44 H: 44 Kids: 20, 16, 16, and 10 Together/Married: 22 years H announced he was emotionally detached and considering D: 4/4/16 H announced he is going to try to stay and reconnect: 5/1/16