My oldest daughter turned 16 this year and my son is four years younger. Their father and I divorced a few years ago. Everything went quietly and peacefully. Our family fell apart because, in my ex-husband’s opinion, I was only focused on the children. When in fact he had another woman he wanted to leave me for. We didn’t tell our children about the reasons, so as not to traumatize them. They were worried at first, but then they got used to the fact that their parents just live separately.
My husband moved into a rented apartment with his new girlfriend. He didn’t invite the kids over so they wouldn’t cross paths with her, so they met their daddy on neutral ground. My husband often came to visit us, which I didn’t mind. But all the same, over time the kids found out that Dad was engaged to another woman. Of course, they were jealous of her, they didn’t even want to see him at first. They soon reconciled, but agreed that his new wife would never interfere in their relationship.
I have always been a kind and decent mother. But how I wanted to relax with my girlfriends or go to a restaurant. If we went somewhere with the girls, I took the children to my mother, so they always saw only the perfect mother.
Once we had a New Year’s Eve party. There were other people celebrating with us in the restaurant. The dance floor was shared, so we often crossed paths. That’s how I met one man. I left him my number. We began to have an affair.
I will not say that he is very handsome, but his kindness and strong core captivated me. He lives alone, and his grown-up son has already gone free. I had to hide the bouquets and presents so the children wouldn’t notice anything. I promised them that until they grew up, I would not build a relationship with anyone. No one knew about my secret, only my mother – I left the kids with her when I went on dates. So she let it slip.
My daughter jumped on me and started calling me names. She said I was just like her father. Lying and hypocritical. I tried to explain to her that I also have the right to be happy, because children are not the only thing in the world, but she would not even listen to me. My son did not throw accusations at me, but he withdrew into himself and stopped talking to me. I understand that it’s hard for them to realize all of this, but they’re being selfish.
I do not know what to do, because my beloved man proposes to move in together and get married. But my daughter gives me ultimatums and forbids me even to go on a date. Do I really need to forget about myself for the sake of the children? Apparently, I will remain alone in my old age, as time goes on, then no one will need me. What can I do? How can I introduce my children to my man?