DS is 12, is neurodiverse with asd and ocd.
We have been close as he’s an only child. Separated from now exDH when DS was 6/7, in the middle of lockdown etc. I’ve coparented etc but always been the main parent.
Ex has dated, had partners, DS has never met any but dad has spoken about them with him etc.
I recently decided to get back into the dating world, had a date which I didn’t tell DS about, had mentioned to a friend I was chatting to someone and was arranging a date. DS overheard and was incredibly angry, triggered a meltdown. I know he hates changes and I wouldn’t be moving anyone into his life, at the moment I’m looking for companionship on weekends when he’s with his dad. Tried to reassure DS of this but it was utterly futile.
Ive asked him why his dad is fine to do this but I’m not, he can’t explain.
AIBU to ask how to navigate this world with my DS, ideally he wouldn’t have known, but now my reaction inside feels like I’m stuck being his number 1 parent for a good few years to come, which I guess is part of the job, but I’d like a life when he’s with his dad.