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Ex-Etiquette

03/10/2010

This match may not be right, if she can't understand his commitment to his bonus kids
Question: I've been dating a man for a little over a month. His second marriage was the result of his getting the girl he was seeing pregnant. It lasted five very turbulent years. Their child is now 6. The ex also has three older children by another man.

03/03/2010

It's the kid's party, so behave like adults
Question: My ex and I do not agree about who is to host our children's birthday parties. We both agree it would be nice to have one party with all the friends and family, but she insists on having them all. She tells me that I can have my own party for the kids, but if I do, the kids' relatives and friends won't want to go to two parties. The kids have asked to have "some parties at Mom's and some at Dad's." How can we resolve this?

02/24/2010

She's growling about boyfriend dog-sitting for his son, ex-wife

02/17/2010

Infidelity is bad, but so is your reaction to it
Question: My wife had an affair. I had no idea, and when I found out I went a little crazy. I didn't drink for five years, but I started drinking again and smashed the windshield of her car with a sledgehammer. I also wrote "whore" on the side of it.

02/15/2010

Mom's theatrics make visiting Dad difficult for daughter

02/03/2010

Changing the visitation schedule is acceptable under special circumstances
Question: Is it OK to ask my ex if our 6-year-old son can come to a family gathering during the time he is scheduled to be with his dad? When I have asked previously, my ex made me feel as though I was interfering with his time with our son, and that was never my intention. I know our son would like to be here during special events. When do you give the child a voice and let him choose what he wants to do?

01/27/2010

It's not right to cut out-of-wedlock child out of the will

01/20/2010

Meeting ex halfway is proving to be wholly exasperating
Question: You two are my role models! My husband and I moved four hours away from the ex. The order states transportation by bus but the kids didn't like it so we agreed to meet halfway. She's always late by an hour or more. It's frustrating to drive two hours, then wait. We've talked to her about the importance of being on time but no change. I feel as if it's done on purpose. Your advice?

01/13/2010

Adapt family birthday traditions to accommodate your new reality