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Tips for working things out with an XP. ... ?

2 replies

MrGin · 16/08/2012 08:51

Ok I'll preface this by saying I realize for many on here they have to deal with an XP who has no intention of stepping up to the mark, was abusive etc, is a lost cause.

That said I wonder if it's worth having a thread about people's positive experiences and advice about how to best work through a break up, how to avoid conflict, how to communicate etc with an XP. Or how you managed to get a difficult XP see a different point of view. However small.

I'll give an example.

When I split up with my XP I suggested that we each have an opportunity to have an uninterrupted rant monologue about the past. An opportunity to get it off our respective chests, and from that point, in the interests of dc of course, we would never again bring up the past. Hard as it can be.

It kind of worked, it certainly helped shift the focus to the future and dd.

This might be a terrible idea ( the thread ) or it might be helpful, thought I'd give it a shot.

So what has helped in your situation small or big ?

OP posts:
4lizardsandababy · 16/08/2012 16:05

My Ex and I are a year on from splitting up and are co-parenting i think rather well. My main advice would be to remember your child has a right to maintain a relationship with both parents no matter how hurt you are feeling. its certainly been hard and I guess i've been lucky that my Ex has always been keen to play a role in our DS's life.

Being able to forgive my Ex for having an affair and moving in with the OW was so hard but i realised the negative feelings I had were only having a negative impact on me and DS and that just seemed pointless!

The Ex and I speak or text every day but only about DS and how he has been that day because I know it is important to him to know how DS has been.

I have always treated my Ex how I would want to be treated, with respect, kindness and care and whilst it hasn't always been reiprocated on the whole that is how he has treated me. I know my Ex has found it difficult to ever be unreasonable about things because I have never demanded anything unreasonable of him...kill him with kindness is my mantra!!

Talking about how hurt I was at the thought of DS having another female role model in his life (the OW) also helped and they both agreed to introduce DS to her at my pace and the meeting only occured when I felt comfortable with it. I have also met her and she is a lovely girl who clearly cares for my DS and is currently looking after him whilst I'm at work. The thought of meeting her was terrifying and I didn't for almost a year but I'm glad I did as it's put some worries to bed.

So I think the key is clear honest communication, empathy and understanding of course I recognise these can only be acheived if you have a willing Ex partner!! And biting your tongue I've done a hell of alot of that!

MrGin · 16/08/2012 16:14

Oh yes, biting your tongue, :o , I'd say that's in the top 10 ( if not 5 ) bits of advice.

Thank you for your input 4lizards.

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