Before I married and had children of my own, I would NEVER HAVE DATED A MAN WITH A CHILD. I knew then that I would not be willing to handle all of the complications that would arise from such a relationship. So to all those male and female alike who feel this way - that is cool. As long as everyone is upfront....DO NOT try and "get some" just to leave her/him hanging once you've gotten it. That just isn't fair.
On the other hand. Now being the single mother OF FOUR little girls with a psychopath for an ex.....you can imagine how my range of possible suitors is GREATLY DIMINISHED REGARDLESS of how tight my rear is or how smart/funny/etc I AM. But that is just fine by me.
First of all - I DON'T NEED TO DATE. I have to care for the physical and emotional needs of my children in addition to fighting the ex in and out of court for custody/harassment/support, and the list goes on. I am also busting my behind to support myself and my girls so that we will eventually get to the point where not only will we not need his money, but I relish the fantasy of him actually hauling me into court to ASK FOR MINE!!!
Secondly - on the rare occasions when I am in the presence of a male, I WOULD NOT EVEN REMOTELY CONSIDER HAVING A MY CHILDREN AROUND HIM. They have a father (Though he is a little fucked up these days, I can only hope that he will get some professional help - as have I - to resolve his issues before he permanently scars our girls.) who will financially support them right through college - PERIOD! I can and am earning my own money, so there is no need to mix the two. If I have an itch, I can scratch it quite effectively on my own time WITHOUT involving my children. They mean the world to me. NO MAN IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN THEM!
Actually, I consider myself to be at an advantage to others out there. I am upfront with EVERYONE about my sitch. Many run the other way soooooooo fast that it is pretty funny. Others may actually wait until I finish my sentence alerting them to my "reality". Regardless, I know that if a man does stay interested in me knowing all about me it will be because he is some kind of wonderful....the kind of man I deserve and who deserves me and, of course, this means that he will be a wonderful influence on my girls.
See? FOUR KIDS - weeds out bullshit.
Besides, I am not divorcing my current husband because I want a "new" one. I would rather be alone and happy than married and treated like shit. I am still trying to untie this knot! Why on earth would I even consider tieing another?...Hell I may never even pick that fucking rope up AGAIN!