I really love being a mom lately – mainly because I get to hand them off before I start feeling like I’m going to kill somebody. That is the advantage of being separated- you take turns parenting and bail out just as you’re running out of Herculean patience. I certainly wouldn’t have longed for a situation in which my children’s father and I were not together, but seeing as it happened, I’m not immune to its advantages.
So for all of you not living behind the proverbial picket fence with 1.7 children and an adoring spouse, here are 10 things that are great about having an unconventional family unit.
1. You’ve built your kids’ resilience- you told them the bad news, they wanted to die, now they’re over it and know they can get through anything.
2. You won’t bring them up in an environment that is conventional but full of disturbing undercurrents they can’t put a name to, until they grow up to name them, and blame you, in therapy.
3. If you and your former spouse were arguing a lot, your blood pressure’s probably lower now, thus you may have prolonged your life.
4. You’re not worried about what would happen if you broke up with your spouse, because it already happened and you survived it.
5. You feel more authentic; instead of slapping a big smile on your face for the kids and lying that of course you’re not irritated, you always throw pots and pans around when you’re happy.
6. You don’t have to hang out with his friends/clients/relatives anymore.
7. Since couples tend to socialize with each other, you get to avoid those bickering spouses you formerly called friends.
8. No one is telling you what to do, because even if you’re in a new relationship you’re not letting that shit happen again.
9. Your kids get more uninterrupted personal attention with each parent (as long as you don’t let the manipulative little devils pit you against each other).
10. Some days, in a stunning development unseen since you were pregnant with your kids, the ex takes the morning shift and you get to sleep in!!!
I really enjoyed this, thank you 🙂
Glad you enjoyed! Good luck:-)
Howdy, I’ve been enjoying your writing. Felicia
Thank you so much Felicia! That means a lot to me, as I love your work as well. Btw my book just came out 🙂
Hi Susanna,
I heard both your episodes on For Crying Out Loud. I love your frankness. I feel we are kindred spirits. I’ve been with my husband f
For 18 years and we are honest and open with each other. He’s amazing and I feel privileged to spend my life with him. We also question everything and accept only things that make sense and work for us. I am totally bisexual. He is straight. We have had ménage a trois male/female and actually tried to live as a ‘Throuple’ with another girl who we both cared for. I really appreciated hearing someone else being open about living life to the fullest. I’m not shy when it comes to being with a women. I love it! ‘Trebing’ is one of my favourite sexual positions with a women. Kissing and touching and grinding – so hot! I live in London so feel free to get in touch if your ever over this way🌸 hugs and a soft kiss
Lisa
What’s trebing? Is that a typo? Googled it and couldn’t find it.
This made my day. In the deep darkness and pain I’m in at the moment you have gave me a chuckle. Thank you. Kinda motivating 😀
Thanks for writing Wayne. I love finding out my words have made a difference to someone. Best of luck through the pain- you will make it!