Bunny and I are going to see the F.O.B. tomorrow. It’s been 4 months since we last saw him. Bunny has changed so much in that time. I’ve changed so much. Even though he’s called almost every day, in many ways I feel like we’re going to visit a stranger. Like we’re going to meet our long-lost arranged marriage partner from overseas. It’s weird.
I don’t know how I feel about seeing him. Of course, I’m excited for Bunny to see him. Just not sure about my own feelings. He wants to have “important discussions” about our future. By which I assume he means he wants us to get married and live in Singapore. I can’t tell if I should go along with his plan because he’s kind and good, and he loves me and his son. I’m so unsure of myself these days. I don’t trust what I feel anymore.
I can’t remember why I was mad at him before. I can’t remember what he did wrong. There was the little incident of him not telling me the truth about being married already. But he’s divorced now, so didn’t he make up for his mistake? Surely there must have been more water under the bridge than that? I know he’s a dark horse, and I’ll probably never know what really goes on in his head. I’ve called him a slippery eel on more than one occasion. But does it matter? Can I accept him and love him for who he is? Can I forgive and let go of the past, and move on to the future?
I wish that I could figure out this relationship and love stuff. You know, get a grip on what makes a partnership between a man and woman work in the long-term. Whether staying together for a child is the best thing, or the worst thing. Or is there something in between?
I didn’t plan for any of this. I thought I’d meet my soulmate one day, and we’d settle down in our hand built cob house, with some chickens and a couple of cows, and a field full of veggies and fruit trees. After a few years of blissful lovemaking , nest building and heartfelt communication, we’d co-create a couple of wonderful children and spend our days making crafts and cooking goodies together as a team. One big, happy family living in harmony with nature.
The life I’ve created is a long way from that pipe dream. It’s OK, I can let go and accept the different life that I have instead. But I wish that I knew what to do with the F.O.B. situation, one way or another. It’s so confusing, and there’s so much at stake. I want Bunny to have a father. I want us to be good role models for him. I want so badly to do the right thing. And yet I have no role models, no reference points and no guides to tell me what to do and how to do it. Somehow I have to navigate these rocky seas by myself, and hope to find land that is rich and fertile for new growth. And the trouble is, I don’t seem to have my sea legs about me.
Tue 19 May 2009 at 7:21 am
Enabling is a four letter word or it should be anyway. You don’t have to remember why you were mad at someone to be careful. Do what feels right and if you are hesitating it’s for a good reason. The fact that he lied about being married is a HUGE red flag. Lying is a character flaw not a hapless mistake. Also, before you go to Singapore read up on the parenting laws – it’s not the U.S. Best of luck.
Fri 22 May 2009 at 9:07 am
I also see a lot of red flag markers in your questions here…namely the dark side, the side you don’t know about, the side he hides; then there’s the side that gives you really no options. It’s Singapore or bust. You deserve a man to go to the ends of the earth FOR YOU. You don’t have to compromise who you are to get what it is that you want and need. His money won’t cover up the character traits that keep you questioning him. I’m sure he has great qualities about him, but it doesn’t seem like YOU are his priority.
I completely understand not having any navigational guides or tools and going to the skool of hard knocks alone seems to be the way to figure things out, though. It stinks for sure. I’m rooting for you. Be sure you take good care of you and the bun buns above all else. That little pipe dream you feel in your heart can be yours. You don’t have to settle for less than that.
Sun 24 May 2009 at 11:00 am
Just checking in with you… and very curious to know how the meeting went. I’ve been there. I hope you’re taking care of yourself!
Mon 25 May 2009 at 9:21 am
Ahh, you need to fill us in on what has happened! Be careful. It bothers me that he can go so long without seeing you and bunny but wants to be with you. With his abilities to travel, his money, and lifestyle, he can probably visit nearly anytime he wants. Does he want you under his finger a little more than you are now? Taking you away from your support system and yet him not being there because of work sounds manipulative. I know I am only getting what you choose to share but sometimes an outside voice helps.
Fri 29 May 2009 at 11:56 am
John – yep, I know. BIG red flag. I hear you about the Singapore laws. I won’t be going there if I can help it. I’ll definitely look into it though!
MySingleMomLife – thanks for the support. WORK is his priority. It always comes first. I’ll nourish my pipe dreams, and won’t settle for less than I deserve.
Rachel – yes, taking care of myself! Thanks for checking in with me!
Ami – you might be onto something there. He definitely has manipulative tendencies. Thanks for the outside voice of reason!