My relationship with the fourth woman (mentioned above) has gotten pretty serious. I really like her, and I know deep down it's not just limerance. I really think I found a keeper. Trying to go slow, and my schedule has helped, but she is so right for me in almost every way.

I took my time to start dating (8 months post-divorce, it's now 11 months post-divorce). I'm glad I waited until I was ready.

A couple of weeks ago, I felt like I got a temp check from my XW for the first time since she said she wanted a divorce last summer. She dropped by unannounced and was almost flirty. It was just weird, but I realized I was just mind reading. She could have just as easily been trying to butter me up to tell me she's dating. Who knows. However, my love for her just isn't what it was. It didn't send me reeling. I just shook my head.

Then, the most surreal thing happened. On Halloween my girlfriend sent me a text to tell me that she thought my younger daughter had just come to the door trick or treating. She recognized her from photos that I showed her. She described my daughter's outfit. My XW lives 4-5 miles from my girlfriend's house in a city of 200,000 people, so it was quite the coincidence. She said my XW was with a guy who was short, chubby, and had a big beard. My XW never really liked when I grew a beard. smile This describes the guy I thought my XW might be having an emotional affair with. She said he looked older than me. I don't think he is, he just looks it. smile I jokingly said I guess what they say about affair'ing down is true, and she said he was a big step down from me. I later got validation that my XW was indeed in the neighborhood.

Life is interesting. I couldn't ask for much more. Kids are doing well. I've grown. I'm staying in contact with close friends and family. I have an awesome girlfriend who I treat right (but I've concentrated in keeping my alpha male traits). Most importantly, I've grown in my faith.

Thanks to everybody for helping me get through all of this!