To think these single parents don't hold the monopoly on difficult parenting...

[MeepMeepVrooooom]

My friend and I were at a local mother and toddler group this morning and we were having a private conversation regarding her on going situation with her partner. Don't want to go in to details but the basics, he works away a lot. Doesn't contribute much in the way of finances (apart from rent), emotional support, practical support even when he is home.

My friend started to get a little upset and I was aware that 2 women were able to overhear the conversation and suggested leaving and her coming to mine for a coffee to talk properly. She agreed and then said sometimes I feel like I'm a single parent, and it's tough.

Well woah did these women not rip her to shreds. She was already upset and they didn't pull any punches saying, she has no idea how hard it is to be a single parent and the long and short was man up and she was selfish. I told my friend to get her son and I would meet her outside.

I politely suggested that the women should keep their nose out of a conversation they overheard and were not directly involved in and that actually they were unaware of the full circumstances therefore really should not comment.

I am not for one second saying the two situations are the same there are obvious differences but she was just saying that was how she sometimes felt. I also don't think single parents have an easy time of it, neither to people in my friends position or even people in stable loving family's. We all have problems, I know not all single parents have this attitude but this isn't the first time I have came across women/men with this attitude.

This isn't so much as a AIBU as it is a bit of a whinge and wondering others opinions...?

[kmdwestyorks]

Since she gave a personal perspective and expressed her feelings rather than an all encompassing opinion I can't see how your friend was being unreasonable.

Raising children is hard whatever the circumstances and sometimes we all need a little extra support and a chance to vent without judgement being passed.

Kicking someone when they're already down though is just mean.

[IneedAsockamnesty]

.ifnotnow

Yes,oh yes.