Hi. Just my 2 cents. I really didn't take anything the OP said about his ex as not being over her or one upping her. He referenced her as his ex wife, to give context, note, she isnt a baby mamma. They were married, have a kid...were committed. As for the 1 upping, it sounds like he & his daughter have a great relationship, that she shares with him things she doesnt feel comfortable sharing with her mom. It also sounds like they have a similar sense of humor. Then again I have similar relationships with both of my adult sons. We tend toward unorthodoxy as I treat them like adult men & not my kids. It tends to throw people.

@SallyInStitches Fair enough. As the product of a 'broken home' (even that term has baggage), I was raised by a mother who never once spoke negatively in front of us kids about our father, despite what I learned, much later in life, how unfit he was for 'domestic' life. As an adult, I was able to establish a 'relationship' with my father, but I never despised him, thanks to my mom's attitude. I also have a number of peers who've gone through a divorce, and am always uncomfortable around those who, years after they've parted company, still can't seem to 'let it go.' It's the children who are always caught in the middle, sometimes as chess pieces.

@pnfullifidian thst is true. I made a point to never speak badly about their biological contributor or allow anyone else to do so in my hearing. It wasn't fair to them or the ex. Their bio fell off the face of the planet when they were 9 & 10. They have a great relationship with their step dad who, for me, is persona non grata. I will neither deny nor interfere with that relationship but the deal is, they do not discuss me with their dad. I love my kids but that ex can die in a canoe fire surrounded by piranha & cancer.

@Jlangston70 I'll accept that hit. Peace.