It's been awhile since my last update.

AS, I decided to let her have the night before school. She's always gotten the girls ready for the first day of school (hair, dress, etc.). We agreed that I would come over in the morning to see them off. I don't regret that decision at all.

Life is good. It's been almost a year since BD. I've handled it like a champ. I had no chance of preventing my divorce (3 months from BD to divorce), but my life is good. I"m closing on a house on Monday, and I'm excited for the next phase of my life. It will be good to get settled. The girls and I have a blast together. Friends/family have let me know that I'm a great Dad and that I'm much more relaxed without XW around.

I still love my XW and probably always will, but I do see sides of her that make me realize this is for the best. I no longer blame myself entirely for the divorce. I know that we are equally to blame. She chose to give up, and that is out of my control.

I naturally gravitated to DB principles, but the newbies need to know that is it imperative to 180 on the things you need to improve on, GAL, and detach. I know that my XW has regrets. I can see it in her eyes. That is because I've become a man only a fool would leave. I've improved immensely in the last year. I've gotten back to the alpha male that I was before I lost myself. If [censored] needs to get done, I take care of it. I'm not afraid to rock the boat. I dress nicely. I always look good. I have my swagger back. What do women want? They want a strong man that makes them feel secure. They want a man with self-confidence. They want a man that makes them laugh. They want a man who listens to and validates them. Become that man.

I've had several dates in the last few weeks, and I'm talking to several others. I realize that I'm desirable. There are a lot of women interested in me. On the other hand I'm not exactly ready for it. I was with my XW for 17 years. I'm not in a rush to get in to a serious relationship, and that's okay.

Life doesn't always come up roses, but our character is built on how we handle the adversity thrown our way.