I think it's wonderful when people can Coparent and get along. My grandmother and grandfather were divorced but they still cared about eachother a lot. They even share a headstone and burial plot. Just because the marriage didn't work out doesn't mean you can't still be close. The key was that they both just wanted the other to be happy, even if it meant being divorced. My grandfather understood that my grandmother just was not a care giver and wasn't mentally or emotionally capable of being his nurse with his terrible health, and my grandmother knew he deserved someone who could.
I truly wish all divorces could be so amicable, because it made growing up so much easier. We could have holidays and celebrations without tension and kids could see that not all divorce ends in hatred and anger.
I'm really glad that you and your ex can be together for your children. That shows a maturity and respect that reminds me of my grandparents.
My ex and I still do family things with the kids quite often. No problem. Our kids are 21 and 24, and we get together for dinners, for Christmas, for events, all kinds of things.
I think it is great. I think marriage originated a long time ago when our life expectancy was ~ 40 yrs.
I think the commitment to each other during the raising of a family is profoundly important.
What should we humans do now that we still have another 30-40 years to live after the family raising is done? Sit and stair at each other? Insist on sinking into stagnant misery together?
Ideally I think both people would reach a point of maturity where they are secure enough to give the other freedom to have some more adventures in life as an autonomous individual, whatever that means. Also, ideally, both parties would continue to care deeply for each other, continue to enjoy each other’s company and even look after each other as end of life issues creep up.
That's a good thing! I am fortunate to maintain a civil relationship with my ex. Consider yourself lucky
I consider myself very lucky!
I think that’s amazing and really good for the kids. That’s what my ex and I do.
I think that's awesome! All kids want their parents to be together, it's natural for them to want this. While I realize the togetherness you have is not "that" kind, I feel any solidarity your kids see has a positive effect on them. I am in a similar situation. My ex and I get along well enough to cooperate in the best interest of our teen-aged daughter and more. I don't see us getting back together, but there is nothing preventing us from being friends and I know my kids like that. (I have two)
Your lucky. I would ever see my ex i would simply walk away. Can't stand to be near liars. Of course we have no children together after 35 years of marriage. How does your daughter feel about it?
Oh she is grateful, but we have certainly given her grief over the years with bickering and name calling. It's much better now.
My son's mom and I have been divorced for 24 years and are still friends (not lovers) and know that the other will always be there until death does us part.
My second wife hates my guts.
Been there, done that... is up to the parents to teach their children how to handle a divorce! Well Done! Congratulations. I had gone dancing, graduations, invited to her relatives weddings, military ceremonies, dinner or movie or whatever.
Marriage now is nothing but a declaration of love and a promise of stability. A connection in the eyes of God is nothing more than a fallacy. However your daughter and her mental health and future are very real and that is solid. We should never treat love for a child anyway similar to a promise made before one of the thousands of deities.
I think it depends a lot on how the new spouse feels about it.