[SteveLW]

Steve_,

It is your life. You get to decide how to live it. Would I like to see you be happy by yourself (and these past 8 months do not count because you were trying to get your XW back the entire time!) for quite a while longer before jumping into something new? Of course. I would like to see you stay business ONLY with your XW. I would like to see you planning your own father's day rather than glomming on to your EX's family event.

But this is your life! You get to decide. I am just a stranger on the internet. I do hope you stay in IC if you ever were. I think you still have a lot to deal with to become a whole person.

Most ironic part of your post: "She CANNOT be without some kind of R."

Sometimes it is easier to see weaknesses in other people than in ourselves.

But I am glad that you are doing better than you were 4 months ago. I still can't get over the V-day actions. But that is an example of WHY I say you have not been alone for 8 months. Do I think you are past falling for your EX's manipulation? I do. But do I think you've done all of the work necessary to be the best Steve_ you can be? No. But no one except you can force that.

I will say it appears you are being a good dad (except for the new GF so quickly thing). I've always felt you were a good dad! Keep up that good work.