Reasons to be cheerful...

[HappyWithLife]

It seems the winter is bringing a spate of unhappiness to the lone parents thread, so I thought we could do with a new 'great things about being a single parent' thread to brighten our days and make us count our blessings.

Ok, I'll kick off...

It's freezing cold outside and I can put the heating up as high as I want without anyone moaning about it, as I am the one paying the bills.

I can shout at Gillian McKeith on I'm a Celebrity without having constant comments in the background.

I don't have to watch the football tonight.

I can wear socks to bed and not have to explain that it's just cos I'm cold and not because I am trying to put him off me sexually. Similarly thermal vests.

I can wear big knickers that cover the end of my back and keep me warm. Thongs do not provide warmth to the lumbar region.

Your turn...

[Boobalina]

I bought some new cushions today and they are lovely I didnt feel guilty about buying as I would have before.

Kids have gone to Ex's, I've eaten a lovely supper, dishwasher on, kitchen clean, living room cleared of all kids things, candles on in fireplace, heating on, and in my PJs already!!!

Yay!!!!!!

[HappyWithLife]

Eeuugghh....I used to get that one too. Don;t miss it that's for sure

[gettingeasier]

Thats lovely Happy

I had the "I go to work and thats what pays for everything" speech yesterday , had actually forgotten that one and that was an at least once a weeker

[HappyWithLife]

Today...have spent a very happy couple of hours buying xmas pressies for DD2...all things I know she wants, without having anyone breathing down my neck telling me she'll only play with them for an hour and they'll be forgotten, or that they're not educational etc. I sneaked a look at her letter to santa and it seems he may be bringing most things on her list .
Am also feelong proud that I've managed it on my own, without having to ask anyone for help or a loan or going into debt.
That's my reason to be cheerful today x

[googoomama]

Reason to be cheerful today - a one hour child free nap in front of the fire with snow falling outside :)

[HappyWithLife]

Todays reason to be cheerful...looking at DD2's little face and rosy cheeks as she made snowballs on the way to school this morning. Priceless.

[HappyWithLife]

Gettingeasier....yes it's him, not you. Definately

[googoomama]

my exh came back from his Thursday night excursion to football/pub one night and rolled into bed. There was a silence, then he said "Right. That's it. I've told all the lads you're frigid."
I can laugh now but I'm so glad he's gone!!!

[gettingeasier]

Thankyou Happy because I had this yesterday on the phone he thinks I'm nuts but its not me its him no ?

[HappyWithLife]

Eeugghh...the interrupted conversations. I used to get 'sorry to cut across you but...' EVERY time I spoke. Made me feel like nothing I had to say was of any importance at all.

[gettingeasier]

Part Two

No more being interrupted after every third word after listening to his monologues and being told "its called having a conversation"

No more "Whats the flavour I can taste ? " with a very subtle look of distaste after trying sooo hard to make a new tasty meal

No more laughing at "jokes" made at my expense in friends company all the time

No more being asked what it is I actually do all day - SAHM

No more alcohol fumes filling the house every saturday and sunday morning

No more embarassing MLC gas guzzling vehicles on the drive

Oh yes indeed its all good

[HappyWithLife]

My DS's best friend called my house his second home . I love that my DCs friends all drop in as and when they like and always want to stay. We were never allowed to have friends over before, as HE didn't like kids in the house, HE didn't like the noise etc...Now we have a big happy noisy home.

[Maybee]

Hello I'm new to this thread but wish it wasn't called 'lone' parents. Think single parents would be better. I have only been single for a week or two. Ended relationship over a month ago though.
I like playing my Patsy Cline and Proclaimers cds. I like the big bed all to myself and am saving for an electric blanket. Every morning I wake up to my 8 and 3 yr old huddled in bed beside me. Then we get the 14mth old and all snuggle up for 5 mins.
I still feel relieved to be single and whole.
:)

[googoomama]

LifeofRiley - I thought you said "a rather naked cat"! I mused on that for a few hours then re-read it and realised you said narked! Haha! Made me giggle. Which is a good thing about today.

[changeforthebetter]

I took a photo of the bombsite that was X's "study" () just before he left. Now if I am feeling a bit regretful then I look at the heaps and heaps of papers, magazines, bills and general crap and breathe a happy sigh of relief.

I also love the no football/rugby/cricket/snooker-on-every available-media thing he used to do. Prat

I eat nicer food, the house looks better organised and I am well-shot of the duplicitous drunk!

[shelleylou]

Also can drink what i like when i like without sneers,

DS is happier although playing up a little recently due to circumstances changing.

I can have mates coming and going as I please

NO Road Wars or Traffic Cops on the TV night after Night even if he's seen them. This is the best one, how it didnt occur to him that i wouldn't want to watch car/ bike crashes and people generally being stupid after the death of DB in a similar way is beyond me.

[TheLifeOfRiley]

I can get a DOG and call it what I want (after stating previously I wanted a dog ex controlled this by saying you will have a cat and it will be called this).

I am now the proud owner of a very bouncy puppy (and a rather narked cat)

Me and ds can please ourselves eat what we want, when we want, talk even though the tv is on, live in a warm clean home, and relax in it.

I can't imagine having a man in the house now to be honest.

[Megancleo]

Thanks for threads like this. Its so hard sometimes juggling lack of money, time and sanity but yes, its good to remember what I escaped....I no longer have to wake up wishing I didn't have to face him, no longer have to keep dc quiet so as he can lay all morning in bed, no longer have to go to bed early to escape scenes, no longer have to pretend I want to sleep with him or that I find him attractive, interesting or even normal. I no longer have to hear his complaints, his shouting or reasons of why I am incompetant. My home is really my home (my bed, fridge, bathroom, tv controls etc) and..wow, I'm an adult!

[gettingeasier]

Cooking a meal or not - my choice

No football dominating the airwaves every weekend

No more bending into every shape and turning myself inside out trying to make him notice me

No more wondering how drunk he will be when he comes through the door after being out every single night

No more listening to him huff and puff about how hard he works how important he is every single day

No more cringing at the way he speaks to people in shops etc

No more puddles at the base of the toilet every single night

No more having every lifestyle choice ie music,films,clothes derided

No more running commentaries on the short comings of every single road user on the planet

Theres plenty more where that came from

Oh yes indeed after a rollercoaster year I love being single

[shelleylou]

I'm back in Lone Parents again lol. DH left a couple of weeks ago so far my reasons are:

I'm happier than i have been in ages (after the intial shock he said it was over)

Housework etc is done rather than me leaving it because he's said he do it and it never happens

Cooking once a night instead of twice

Redecorated my front room to my taste (ie not boring)

[Lemonstartree]

My STBExH NO LONGER LIVES HERE!!!!

This mornig I snuggled in my bed with my 3 dc and we had a lovely time, and then got up and made pancakes for breakfast ( even though it MADE A MESS !!!) no one shouted, nobody was abusive.

Heaven

and I have a date tonight!

[googoomama]

Can't think of many reasons to be cheerful this teatime. Looked on fb to find ex playing in snow with his kids. He's very cheerful and obviously not thinking about me. Miserable. Oh dear. :(

[SuePurblybiltByElves]

Another vote for the Yeti legs here
I spent all day Mnetting working at home in a huge jumper and no make up (tis snowy here, I'm loving my jumper) without feeling I had to change
God, the toilet smells [vom]> Though the Ex has been known to pick up DD and "oh, I'll just nip to the loo" - pebbldashing the whole thing.
Not having to waste money on fags or beer or parking tickets.

[googoomama]

Just discovered this thread and it's really helped. Dumped by bloke of one year on Wednesday as he can never live with my children, so feeling pretty crap. However, you people have reminded me how wonderful, imaginative and strong single mums can be. And I'm looking forward to no waxing bills from now on...a reason to be cheerful on a dark day!

[HappyWithLife]

My reason to be cheerful is that my toxic mother has gone home after a hard and long weekend so me and DCs can breathe again