be careful what you say–it’s a small world
It was a beautiful, mild day yesterday and the King of Everything and I strolled over to our local park, confident that his new soccer ball could lure a new playmate. We scouted out the two play areas for suitable kids, and chose the one that had the biggest, runningest kids on the playground.
It was a great choice because not only did we find a kid who was up for play, but we knew him! And what’s more, we liked him! He was thrilled to see us, too, and we chatted happily about Christmas, and soccer balls, and runny noses while I quickly scanned the area for his mother.
My heart sank to my toes.
His father was at the park, not his mom.
My stomach did flip flops. You see, I’ve never met the man, but I know way too much about him. I know why he and his wife split up, and I know about how many other women were reason for the breakup. It was awful. Here he was, chatting away with me, probably thinking I just know his kid through the normal channels, but no. I don’t. I know his kid because his mom and I are single mothers. I know his kid because his mom and I have divorce in common.
Did I mention how awful it was? He had no idea what I knew about him, and I didn’t think it was my place to let him know how much I knew (can you imagine? “Look, I really am uncomfortable with you talking to me and being friendly and normal because I know you’re a womanizer and I’m your ex-wife’s friend, so please, just go over there and look dad-ish or something, ok?”) So, because my son really likes that man’s little kid, I hung in there and chatted, and smiled, and tried very hard not to seem as though I was too friendly or into this guy (he cheats! on his wife! run away!)… and I watched as this man chased his kid and mine around the park, and tossed frisbees, and was generally a Nice Guy (if you’re not married to him) and felt vaguely grossed out because I knew. Too. Much.
So be careful what you say, single mothers, about your child’s father. And fathers, please know that this is a very small world, and chances are, if you haven’t been a Good Boy, more people than just Santa have you on the Naughty List.
Tags: cheating-spouse, friends, gossip, single-mom, single-mommy, single-mother, talking, therapyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: divorce
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