WIBU to meet this man at the park

[Cheeseboardcriminal]

My DC has 2 friends that are siblings, they have been best friends for about 7 or 8 years.

I know their parents and would chat at the school gates to either mum or dad and when dropping off or picking up from each others houses. We don't see each other socially.

They split up a year ago at the mums request and she has since moved in with someone else.

The dad of the two and I got chatting (he initiated it), I was clear (very clear) that there is no romantic intention from me. I spoke to the mum and just told her we had been chatting and if she was uncomfortable I would remove him from my social media. She said it was fine.

This weekend dad friend asked did we want to meet up at the park. Our kids were excited and I didn't see any harm so I said yes.

5 kids, 2 dogs, in a park, Broad daylight. Clearly not a date. We went in separate cars and went straight home separately.

Last night I got a load of abuse from the mum. I reassured her there was no romantic intention again and said if she was uncomfortable with it I would happily remove him from my social media which I did.

Just for the record the mum moved on with her friends ex 2 months after that relationship ended, they now live together. So I am finding the fact she is kicking off because I am her friend (we talk at the school gate as above) a bit thin. BUT my child is best friends with their child so I don't want to upset anyone. He is a bit annoyed because she shouldn't be able to control his friendships a year after she left him.

So YABU - only a brazen hussy would meet a man in the park with their kids.

YANBU - she is being ridiculous but for the sake of the childrens friendships, best to nip it in the bud.

I didn't want the kids to mention something and then it look like we were sneaking about which is why I mentioned it in the first place.

Last thing I want is to be school yard gossip.

I don't get this. The mum isn't a friend of yours, she initiated the split which was a year ago and she has a new partner. I don't know why you're bending over backwards to explain and justify your intentions. Even if it was a date you'd have done nothing wrong (other than bring your kids on a first date which would be odd). Is the dad never allowed to take his kids on playdates? Were you meant to arrange a chaperone?

I'd tell her it's none of her business and if she has any unresolved issues with her ex she should take them to him and not bother you with them.

I wouldn't remove him from social media. I think that's quite hurtful actually.

I reckon the other mum is on here as I’m absolutely unable to comprehend how 2% have voted that you are a brazen hussey for meeting of a play date in the park.

Op, you've done nothing wrong. The woman sounds mental. You're meeting in a public place so your kids can play. What's the big deal?! YADNBU

I was just trying to avoid this exact situation to be honest @InACheeseAndPickle.

Well I think I owe him a massive apology. I have removed her and won't respond to any more nonsense and I will wear my chastity belt at all times in public places where there might be men.

I don't want a reputation at the school as a husband stealer (ex or otherwise).

Friends mum is very vocal about how they were split up so she nothing wrong.

I'd remind her of her own stance! And you are only meeting as a friend! With no romantic intentions whatsoever!

I couldn't vote because I don't think you have any need to nip this friendship in the bud either.

I think the YABU's are voting that YABU to cut off the playdates and social media with the Dad.

I don't want a reputation at the school as a husband stealer (ex or otherwise)

I wouldn’t worry about that one. She moved in with her friend’s ex 2 months after her relationship ended 😀

I’d apologise to the husband, show him the abusive messages and then carry on as normal. You can’t let somebody else dictate how you live your life and hold you over the barrel just because your kids are friends.

The kids are good friends and you met at a public play park so they could play together *shrug it’s not like you could send the kids on their own. She sounds very insecure and jealous.

YANBU and in the future when she’s lost your respect and all the kids are still getting on well and nothing romantic ever happened between you and her ex she will look a fool.

He got abusive messages of his own so he knows the situation.

Thanks for putting things into perspective for me. I am reeling with my break up so not thinking clearly myself and just couldn't be bothered getting into a shit storm that could affect DD.

I will just ignore and continue as we were. Oh and apologise to the dad. God help him when he does meet someone!

She moved in with someone 2 months after her relationship ended. Someone that selfish and stupid would never be able to put her children first.
YANBU.

You have done nothing wrong.

It should definitely not be a problem for her that you are hanging out- your kids are best mates so why would you say no to a playdate? She's being unreasonable.

Oh, Ive seen your update about your split.

I wonder what je has said to her, do yo think he might be playing games with her and has let her believe you are dating? No reason why you shouldnt of course but if he is playing gamea with her I would steer clear

Tell her to fuck off. She's not with him.
You can both do what you like. None of her business.
She doesn't want him but don't want anyone else near him.
Do as you please it's none of her business. X

Even if you did eventually end up in a relationship it's none of her business x

Your being to nice to her x

Since when does she control her ex's social movements.

She needs to concentrate on her own life. Stupid woman

What was she actually complaining about?

Glad you've found the pairs helpful. Definitely give her a wide berth and don't ask her for permission on anything ever again.i doubt this will harm your DD even if she can't see her friend when she's at her mum's. I can see why you don't want the hassle but it looks like you'd get that whatever you did. If she complains when you see her just say "it's none of your business". Any one at the school gates worth their salt will see she's being unreasonable.

You don't even sound especially close with either of them, from the sounds of things your kids get on and that's about it. You went to the park with your kids not with some guy.

I think the issue here is you asking her permission in the first place. But, you'd do well to be clear on whether one or both of you is attracted to the other - it's fine if you are, or are starting to be, but that requires a different and very honest conversation that may down the line involve his ex.

I find it really strange that you felt the need to tell her you'd struck up a conversation with her ex. If you're not close with her why would she need to know that?