I was introduced as a single mom by my colleague. It was a little jarring, especially as so many of them were recently married or had young families. I'm sure all of you know the feeling: seeing everyone else have a happy family unit, cutesy family photos, hearing about family activities/vacations as you're stuck as a single parent without a partner.
When someone introduces me as a single parent, I feel like a badass--I'm one of the few dads who raised their kids, volunteered at school, and went on family vacations without help since my ex was incapable. Since the obstacle in this scenario are your feelings, I'd say Time and Therapy. Many people are resistant to Therapy, but it cuts on the Time that you'll feel this way. I'm 12 years post-divorce--you can have that happy family unit, cutesy family photos, and family activities! You just have to accept it will look different than you imagined since your ex turned out to be a bad apple. So instead of a bad apple bringing with you to all those places, it's going to be you and your child, or you and your BFF and both your kids, or you and a BF and both your kids. Wishing you a happy day.
