Anonymous wrote:Forced his affair partner to have an open relationship so he can play the field after his long marriage. And by "playing the field" I mean crudely propositioning the mom of a kid's friend in a harassing way.
Bought a really hilarious denim jacket with a corduroy collar. You're nearly 50, sir.
Made the affair really obvious but when our teenager asked him if he was with the affair partner he said, "No, but I might be in a year. But don't tell Mama." Then a year later he announced he was "dating someone" and our teenager said, "Yeah, [affair partner]" and he said, "How did you know???" Related this story to me (well not the beginning part) as proof that the kids "took it well."
Thinks we are friends. Can't tell that I am gray rocking him. Texts me all the time. Called me crying when the divorce was final. I planned a solo getaway and didn't give him any details. I said to the kids, "I didn't tell your dad where I'm going because we're divorced, but if you mentioned it to him that's OK because I don't have any secrets." Teenager said, "Yeah, he asked us four times where you're going. He doesn't believe you're going by yourself."
He pretended he didn't know where I was going the next time we talked. I said, "I know you know where I'm going. You asked our child 4 times." He made a high-pitched giggling sound.
Sent my relatives a pity-party email about how much he missed them this Christmas. Vaguely referred to "his part in the end of the marriage." Seemed to believe they would be moved by his overture. They rolled their eyes. My mother never replied.
Really the greatest embarrassment is that he has lost the respect of his children. My 13 year old cried, "I thought we had a perfect life. I thought you guys were golden. I didn't know your dad could change and suddenly become terrible. I didn't know he was like this [a self-absorbed alcoholic with the attention span of a beetle who can't stock food in his house]."
I have never been divorced so I can't judge, but I really feel like the last statement is just sad, not something to laugh about. I can't tell if you are. But in case, that is a huge bummer for your kid