Wow. When you said he ‘really has no friends’, I got it. That’s my ex. In fact, last summer my ex went through a few miserable weeks with a kidney stone. Perhaps you’ve heard how painful that is? The old me would have had him staying at my house so I could take care of him. Enough time had passed since I moved us out that, when he started talking about how painful it was, I was able to nod politely and walk away.

And I didn’t feel the slightest built guilty. Although, I’ll know I’ve made some serious progress when my brain doesn’t even consider who would/could care for him during such a health crisis. But, then, maybe I don’t want to become that callused. (?)

I hope you got home with a seriously big batch of groceries. ;)

Another irony – my ex tore his calf muscle. He’s on crutches. He needs lots of help and he really has no friends. So who is helping him? Yeah, me. I’m taking him to Costco in a bit. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s buying my groceries . . . is it wrong that there’s no real altruism here?

I think it is being forced on them. I worry that it is too soon. It is a lot to expect from kids who are seven and eleven.

But it is a skill that will serve them all their lives.

Nice to see you here, Kath.

I wish Jen knew how good it feels when you stick up to the person who bullies you. It is such an empowering feeling. Once you do it, each time gets a little easier. The first time is scary and for some of us we are slow learners and don’t get there until we are older. I hope for Jen she learns it at her young age. In the end it will make her life easier. It’s hard to feel like you’re hurting someone’s feelings, which is what Mark will act like. But Jen has to think of all the times he hurts her feelings and think of herself.

Ironic he thought counseling would go his way and now that it didn’t he doesn’t want it anymore. The lawyer thing won’t go his way either, he uses it to scare you.

Stay Strong!

It’s time to move beyond the venting.