Being a single parent is already a lot of work, but adding dating to the mix can definitely complicate the situation. That’s because they might have to deal with breakups and romantic conflicts, all while also managing their parenting responsibilities.
This was the case for one single mom who was in a serious relationship with a man for two years, until he suddenly realized what his future would look like as a stepparent. The guy broke up with her immediately after that, but later tried to play the victim.
More info: Reddit
It can be tough for single parents to deal with breakups, especially if their child has already bonded with their partner
Image credits: prostooleh / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The poster wanted to end things with his girlfriend of two years after having to spend almost every day with her kid and realizing what his future would be as a stepparent
Image credits: pressmaster / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The man brought up his feelings to his partner, but after she refused to give him space and go to therapy, he ended things, took his stuff, and blocked her
Image credits: CandyRetriever / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The poster felt bad about hurting his ex since he still loved her, and a week later, after asking many people for advice, he wondered if he should get back together with her
Image credits: Freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Even though the man really missed his ex, he maintained no contact with her, but after six weeks, she called him out of the blue and they began talking again
Image credits: katemangostar / Freepik (not the actual photo)
The poster’s ex told him about how she was trying to move on and was buying a new dress to wear during her hangouts with friends, which left him feeling angry
Image credits: DC Studio / Freepik (not the actual photo)
Despite the frustration he felt about his ex moving on, the man felt good when her cousin called to say that his ex wouldn’t ever be able to replace him
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The poster also explained that he was trying to cope with the breakup by maintaining no contact with his ex and by journaling, exercising, and crying it out
It seems like the man cherished his relationship with his girlfriend, which is why they had been going steady for two years. He also didn’t mind spending time with her 7-year-old son since the kid only came over once a week. Although the poster did face some issues once in a while with his partner’s child, it didn’t seem to affect their relationship that much.
Most people who date single parents know that their kid is part of the deal, but they might not actually understand the responsibilities that come with this kind of setup. According to research, young single moms tend to attract a lot of male attention, but these people might not actually be thinking about being there for the women for the long haul.
It seems like the OP also fell into this category, because only after he began spending more time with his girlfriend’s son did he realize that he wasn’t cut out to be a stepparent. In fact, he began to wonder how he would be able to manage such parenting responsibilities, and he felt that ending the relationship might be best.
This kind of realization might seem harsh, but experts state that it’s important for people to really reflect on whether they can manage the role of a stepparent or not. It definitely won’t be an easy thing to do, which is why the people who are willing to continue forward need to be prepared to be a parent and adjust to a blended family dynamic.
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Even before ending things with his girlfriend, the man asked her if he could get some space from her and her son once a month, but she said that with them, it was all or nothing. He also suggested that they try couples therapy to sort out the issue, but since she was already undergoing individual counseling, she refused.
Eventually, the woman told the poster to leave, and she stopped returning his calls or texts, so he knew that it was over. Even though the poster found their breakup tough to handle, he realized that his ex was struggling even more because he found her in tears when he went to pick up his stuff some time later.
After a relationship ends, most folks need time to heal and get back on their feet, but single parents might find that harder to do since they also have to be there for their child. They don’t get much space to grieve, and in many cases, might not have anyone to support them through such a vulnerable time.
Luckily, in this case, it seems like the woman reached out to her friends and was able to slowly move on after six weeks. Unfortunately, the poster was extremely unhappy about the fact that she was feeling better, and he tried to put her down for just going out and enjoying herself.
What do you think about the man’s reaction to his ex moving on, and do you think he made the right decision about breaking up with her? Do share your honest opinion down below.
Most people were unsympathetic toward the man and felt that he also needed therapy for being so obsessed with his ex
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