Etiquette

He wants the ex-wife to attend...

And, I wasn't thinking when I knee-jerked when he asked and said that was fine with me.

Big whoops on my part.

However, as the days have ticked by, I've gotten more and more uncomfortable with this idea.

His reason for wanting her to attend is because their son is going to be his best man (his son lives with us, his ex-wife only takes him every other weekend and occasional holidays). 

He'll waffle on if they're friends or not.

In their past, they had a JP and then an 'official' wedding, so in essence, they got married twice.

I've never been married, so this is my first. 

I don't like her, I don't talk to her, but she calls my FI quite a bit, and not just to discuss their son, which I've pointed out to him isn't exactly appropriate when she's coming to my FI for advice instead of asking her new husband for advice. 

And, I thought about doing the "courtesy" invite if I was -positive- she'd do the 'right' thing and decline.  But, I just don't trust her to have the good sense to do that. 

My FI's elderly grandmother's coming, and she's not overly fond of his ex either.

My parents are paying for the bulk of the reception, and our guest list is getting, not dangerously close, but inching towards the top end without them on the list.

However, I've already said it was okay if she came.

How big of a wench do I sound if I tell him:
I've been thinking about this for the past few weeks, and the more I think about it, the more uncomfortable I am with the idea of your ex-wife at -our- wedding.  She already got to marry you twice.  I only get to marry you once, and I would rather be surrounded by -our- friends and loved ones and not deal with the discomfort of her being there.

Maybe I'm just over-thinking it. 

Any advice? 

Smile, grin and bear it if she shows up?  Or tell him now (before our Save the Date cards go out)? 
«1

Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...

  • This is your wedding, their should be no guests that make you feel uncomfortable.
    my FI told me how uncomfortable he is w/ one of my best friends, a man who I have also dated, and as hard as it was to do, I told the friend he wasn't invited.

    You sound calm and reasonable, I would just explain that you dont' want to look out on the crowd and see anyone with any uncomfortable romantic past -- for either one of you. If he son is adult enough to be his best man, he doesn't need his mother there.

  • edited March 2013
    Put your foot down. Your problem here is communication. She shouldn't be calling him to discuss a single breaths worth of anything but their son. You should have stopped that long ago, but that's another story.

    Say something to him now, before more and more days roll by, you get angrier and sicker at the thought of it, and it eats away at you. Start your marriage off with healthy honesty between you two. Leave out the 'she got to marry you twice, i get once'. Everything else is kosher. She has not received a STD, therefore there's nothing to 'take back' as far as rescinding an invite goes, even if it was by word of mouth.
    image
    Next time, just fart. - BriSox81
  • how old is the son that he cant be there alone?  i assume if hes best man he's at least 18?  seems odd.
  • I will only ask if you are in any kind of pre-marital counseling.  If you have issues with the ex-wife in general, you really need to be, especially if you have a knee jerk reaction like this and then cannot discuss your true feeliings with him.
    Proud to be an old married hag!! image
  • Assuming he has not verbal invited her, I think it's okay to let him know that you thought about it and you really are not comfortable with her being there.

    But please do not use the "she got married to you twice I only get once" excuse..  It's kind of silly to me to even bring it up.
    image
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:ae17f55f-1755-462f-8351-29f74396bfcc">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]Wait, have invitations been sent out?
    Posted by TXKristan[/QUOTE]

    <div>Very bottom, she said '<span style="background-color:#ffffff;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"> </span><span style="background-color:#ffffff;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;">Or tell him now (before our Save the Date cards go out)? '. So not yet, I don't think!</span></div>
    image
    Next time, just fart. - BriSox81
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:b2aec83f-362f-4970-a5db-d7f5888afae8">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend... : ???   What is odd is assuming that one must be legally able to vote and go to war in order to stand next to the groom at a wedding.
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

    <div>I thought it was a requirement for a kicking bachelor party?</div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>(Sarcasm font)</div>
    I french with my man
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:9ec232e0-da44-4a06-a264-168318d2461b">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend... : Very bottom, she said '   Or tell him now (before our Save the Date cards go out)? '. So not yet, I don't think!
    Posted by kmbryant2413[/QUOTE]
    This is a sign that I need more coffee.<div>
    </div><div>Thanks.</div>
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:06344b11-ba33-4fb3-a01f-60f12548c35f">He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]And, I wasn't thinking when I knee-jerked when he asked and said that was fine with me. Big whoops on my part. However, as the days have ticked by, I've gotten more and more uncomfortable with this idea. His reason for wanting her to attend is because their son is going to be his best man (his son lives with us, his ex-wife only takes him every other weekend and occasional holidays).  He'll waffle on if they're friends or not. In their past, they had a JP and then an 'official' wedding, so in essence, they got married twice. I've never been married, so this is my first.  I don't like her, I don't talk to her, but she calls my FI quite a bit, and not just to discuss their son, which I've pointed out to him isn't exactly appropriate when she's coming to my FI for advice instead of asking her new husband for advice.  And, I thought about doing the "courtesy" invite if I was -positive- she'd do the 'right' thing and decline.  But, I just don't trust her to have the good sense to do that.  My FI's elderly grandmother's coming, and she's not overly fond of his ex either. My parents are paying for the bulk of the reception, and our guest list is getting, not dangerously close, but inching towards the top end without them on the list. However, I've already said it was okay if she came. How big of a wench do I sound if I tell him: I've been thinking about this for the past few weeks, and the more I think about it, the more uncomfortable I am with the idea of your ex-wife at -our- wedding.  She already got to marry you twice.  I only get to marry you once, and I would rather be surrounded by -our- friends and loved ones and not deal with the discomfort of her being there. Maybe I'm just over-thinking it.  Any advice?  Smile, grin and bear it if she shows up?  Or tell him now (before our Save the Date cards go out)? 
    Posted by shaylagirl[/QUOTE]
    (JIC)

    If you marry a man with a child, you must be willing to be a supportive stepmother to that child. This also means accepting his/her mother and allowing your husband to co-parent with his ex without being you being jealous or meddling.

    That being said, I think it's a no-brainer that ex-spouses don't belong at the weddings of their ex-spouse.

    Explain to your FI exactly why it makes you uncomfortable. If he doesn't understand, then this isn't the man you want to marry.
  • @kmbryant2413 - I did.  Once I mentioned how inappropriate it was, he realized it, and has taken to telling her that perhaps such things should be discussed with her husband, and not him.  I love him, but sometimes he's a little dense.

    @Calypso1977 - His son is 10 almost 11.  He's having him as best man because his son's been there for him, etc.  Which I understand.  My own son is going to walk me down the aisle along with my father.  He also has his best friend also standing with him like a "back up" best man to do all the adult functions his son cannot.

    @GoodLuckBear14 - We will through his church.  My issues with his ex-wife are in regards to her parenting 'skills', and that she seems to lack common sense boundaries.  I have no issues discussing this with him, I just wanted to make sure I didn't seem like I was being a total wench for saying "Yes...no wait...no."

    @lyndausvi - I think he verbally mentioned it to her.  I figure his back out can be the growing size of the guest list, which isn't false.  And yeah, I'll drop the mention of their weddings.  :)

    @TXKristan - No, no invites have been sent yet.  Nothing's been sent out, just verbally discussed.  I assume he's discussed it with her as he provided me with her mailing address.

    @StageManager14 - I don't mind them being friends, except he's told me a few times that once their son is of legal age, he'll be glad because he won't have to associate with her any longer.  What I find inappropriate is her coming to her ex-husband for advice about things not pertaining to their son (as a quick example, about a traffic ticket she received), rather than discussing those things with her current husband.  I honestly don't mind they're friends, though he intimates with me that she's not someone he would hang out with if they didn't have their son in common.  She's certainly not someone I'm friends with, but that's mostly because of how she acted (thus why they're divorced), and how she promises their son things then breaks promises.  I have personal issues with that, but I keep them to myself.  That's my issue with her.  I've met her once.  She's not someone I have anything in common with.
  • I wouldn't send a STD to her either way. You can send an invitation if that's what you both decide later, but if you send a STD you have to send an invitation. I'll echo the suggestion of pre-marital counseling. You need to be able to talk to your FI honestly before you get married. Start getting counseling now, skip the STD and revisit the invitation quandry. I don't think that either of you should have to invite someone the other is uncomfortable with, but you really do need to be able to tell your FI, "Hey, I'm uncomfortable with ex-wife being at our wedding. Why is it important to you that she is there?"
  • edited March 2013
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:f5498e7d-2ff4-478c-9002-9954ab77d06b">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]@kmbryant2413 - I did.  Once I mentioned how inappropriate it was, he realized it, and has taken to telling her that perhaps such things should be discussed with her husband, and not him.  I love him, but sometimes he's a little dense. @Calypso1977 - His son is 10 almost 11.  He's having him as best man because his son's been there for him, etc.  Which I understand.  My own son is going to walk me down the aisle along with my father.  He also has his best friend also standing with him like a "back up" best man to do all the adult functions his son cannot. @GoodLuckBear14 - We will through his church. <strong> My issues with his ex-wife are in regards to her parenting 'skills',</strong> and that she seems to lack common sense boundaries.  I have no issues discussing this with him, I just wanted to make sure I didn't seem like I was being a total wench for saying "Yes...no wait...no." @lyndausvi - I think he verbally mentioned it to her.  I figure his back out can be the growing size of the guest list, which isn't false.  And yeah, I'll drop the mention of their weddings.  :) @TXKristan - No, no invites have been sent yet.  Nothing's been sent out, just verbally discussed.  I assume he's discussed it with her as he provided me with her mailing address. @StageManager14 - I don't mind them being friends, except he's told me a few times that once their son is of legal age, he'll be glad because he won't have to associate with her any longer.  What I find inappropriate is her coming to her ex-husband for advice about things not pertaining to their son (as a quick example, about a traffic ticket she received), rather than discussing those things with her current husband. <strong> I honestly don't mind they're friends</strong>, though he intimates with me that she's not someone he would hang out with if they didn't have their son in common.  She's certainly not someone I'm friends with, but that's mostly because of how she acted (thus why they're divorced), and how <strong>she promises their son things then breaks promises</strong>.  I have personal issues with that, but I keep them to myself.  That's my issue with her.  I've met her once.  She's not someone I have anything in common with.
    Posted by shaylagirl[/QUOTE]<div>
    </div><div>First bold: How she raises the child, you have zero control over as long as she is keeping him fed, clothed, bathed, and sent to and from school/whatever.</div><div>
    </div><div>Second bold: From the things that's you've said, it seems very much like you do mind. I'm not accusing you of being jealous or petty or any of that, just don't lie to yourself. I would be upset if my FI was in pretty consistent conversations with an ex, even if they had a child. I put my foot down in my relationship long ago that that type of conversation just does. not. need to happen. </div><div>
    </div><div>Third bold: You have a lot of issues with this lady, and it is affecting your relationship with your FI. I am not a psychologist (I have 4 years left before I am), but I can tell you right now that you need to cool it on even sending out your STD's and focus on healing yourself and moving forward with your FI, and that includes setting more strict boundaries on how often he talks to ex. </div><div>
    </div><div>I hope this didn't come off as rude, but you've got some work to do.</div><div>
    </div><div>ETA: Thank you kindly for addressing everyones questions with your story, and being objective and positive. It is refreshing!</div><div>

    </div>
    image
    Next time, just fart. - BriSox81
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:2b432582-6000-4fac-98a6-fd80f3b465fb">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think this is a big issue and you don't need to be getting married until it's resolved. <strong>There is nothing "wrong" or "inappropriate" with him having a platonic relationship with the mother of his child.</strong>  However, if it bothers you this much, you guys obviously have different ideas about how men and women should relate to one another.  It is not fair for you to dictate who he can and cannot be friends with.  You also sound like you have major jealousy issues.  Get some premarital counseling, then revisit this issue once the deeper problems are dealt with.
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

    <div>This.   I believe it's been proven it benefits the child when parent still remain friends? Considering all the posts we get from parents using the kids as a pawn, can't be in the same room together, etc.  It's actually refreshing to hear of a divorced parents getting along.</div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div><div>I agree with Stage that counseling would be a good idea.   I don't know if there is a back story, but I just gather you don't like her simply because she was married to him (twice in your eyes).  I don't think you have to be BFF's with her.  Nor do I think you <em>have</em> to invite her to the wedding.  But there seems to be deeper issues here then need to be resolved.</div><div>
    </div><div>
    </div>
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  • Does your soon to be stepson want his mom there? I'd follow his lead on this. Being a best man might be the kind of thing he's proud of and wants to show off to all his parents.
  • @itzMS - I totally support their co-parenting.  I'm not jealous of that relationship.  I don't think it's appropriate his ex runs to him for advice instead of her current spouse.  That seems wrong.  I mentioned it to him, he did something about it when he registered how weird it was himself.  They do talk about things outside of their son, which is fine with me, he's just more careful about what he shares with her.  I suspect he'll understand, I'm just making sure I'm not totally out of bounds by retracting my yes and changing it to a no. 

    @winelover123 - We don't have the STD cards yet, they're on order.  I figured before I send any of it out, I want to talk with him about taking back my yes.  However, I'm also of the mindset that the wedding is just as much his day as it is mine.  That said, I'm not inviting any of my ex's because I don't want him to be uncomfortable, and I never broached the topic (though I'm friendly with my ex's).  So, if he really wanted her there for -him-, that would be different.  The sole reason he told me he wants her there is because of their son.  I'm guessing because he'll be dressed in a tux.  I don't honestly know.  But, I figure since I'll be broaching the whole "I know I said yes...but..." conversation, I'll dig deeper into if there's another reason he wants her there that he hasn't communicated with me yet.  Which is possible.  In which case, I'm totally willing to rethink my stance.  It's just right now, I'm uncomfortable with it.
  • edited March 2013
    Removed at the request of Stageface. :3

    image
    Next time, just fart. - BriSox81
  • I am guessing that the idea that the best man was at least 18 had to do with the tradition that the best man signs the marriage license as some states require legal witnesses. Of course the best man doesn't have to do this and you could get another legal adult to sign if the best man is under 18.

    As for the rest, I agree that it isn't wrong for your fiance to have an amiable relationship with his son's mother. If this relationship is making you uncomfortable I think it is definitely something you guys should talk about and pre-marriage counseling is never a bad idea (no matter how great your relationship is).

    I also think that this woman is going to be in your life for a long time and depending on the age of your fiance's son you will likely be expected to deal with eachother politely at events for him (birthdays, school events. his wedding etc) in the future. While I don't think you have to invite the ex-wife to your wedding if it is important to your fiance and makes it easier to be sure that someone is watching his son (again depending on his age) then I can also see how it would make sense to invite her. I think you should talk about it and reach a decision together instead of dictating that he can't invite her or just keeping your feelings in and letting it stand without saying anything.
  • This is really a conversation you need to have with your fiance, not a room full of internet strangers, though I do understand the need to verbalize your thoughts to someone else (like a rehearsal).

    You need to sit down and be 100% honest about your feelings toward the ex. In my humble (unmarried) opinion, this is a woman who will be in your life (in some way) for the rest of forever, so you may as well get used to it now. Throughout the whirlwind that will be your wedding day, you will hardly notice her there anyway. I, personally, think it would be a kind gesture to invite her. But again, this is a conversation you need to have with your fiance. But be honest with yourself and him because you can't start this marriage with a big facade.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • Unless she's asking him for the best way to *insert sex topic here* or *romantic nonsense* instead of her current husband, I think you guys need to discuss this a little more open-mindedly. It is advantageous for adults who co-parent to know things about each other's life, so that includes topics not approved under your "child talk only" ultimatum. If she's a big part of her son's life and he's 10 or 11, I can see how she might NEED to be there so you two can enjoy your wedding without worrying about him. In fact, there were people I didn't care much for at my wedding, and except for a 30 second tipsy exchange, we didn't interact because it's hard to do all the things and see all the people. Plus, she'd probably LOVE to see the little man dressed up for the wedding.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:adb8e642-a68d-475d-b8cd-a535fca845ea">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]Haha, km, apparently I did.  I've been firing off 50bagillion emails at work and knotting while waiting for responses.  Do me a favor and take down the quote please?  Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]


    I'm going to search all the *your name's* on Facebook and FIND YOU. And FRIEND YOU.
  • I know that it is important for my daughter that her dad be at my and FI's wedding. Seeing the 4 of us (me and FI, her dad and SM) getting along and makes her feel more secure. Granted her dad and FI were in the military together and were friends before her dad and I got married. The three of us were friends then and we are now. Different situation I understand, but I also completely understand things from your FI's perspective. I do not want you to be uncomfortable at your wedding, it should be the happiest day of your life and the start of your family. Just be honest with your FI and let him be honest with you about why it is important to him that the mom is included.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:8a56940a-bf7c-412a-8499-515276137b0f">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE] I think it's a no-brainer that ex-spouses don't belong at the weddings of their ex-spouse. 
    Posted by itzMS[/QUOTE]

    <div>Not true at all. Plenty of people, myself included, have great friendships with their ex-spouse. He and I hang out alone. He and FI hang out alone. We all hang out together. I know not everyone is that lucky but many many are. EX will be at our wedding. His schedule was one that we were willing to pick our date around.</div><div> </div><div>If your husband isn't being inappropriate with his friendship with his ex, I think you need to deal with YOUR jealousy issues. And talk to him to get on the same page!!</div>
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:7b86cd00-0feb-4314-a2e4-38c3d0113aa5">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend... : This.  I called my ex last week to get book recommendations.  Sure, I could ask my husband, but he doesn't read modern fantasy.  We're friends, though we aren't BFFs who talk constantly, and he knows my book tastes better than H.  Now, I wonder if his girlfriend is sitting in their apartment somewhere having an online meltdown over it.  
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]



    I imagine she's shaking her fist and weeping, back-lit from a well-placed window, angrily cursing, "Staaaaaaage!"
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_he-wants-the-ex-wife-to-attend?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:26a73146-a75b-49f3-9c6d-ea53542164c5Post:50e9d9fc-69e7-462d-a9ff-77c4a623e9dd">Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...</a>:
    [QUOTE]@itzMS - I totally support their co-parenting.  I'm not jealous of that relationship.  I don't think it's appropriate his ex runs to him for advice instead of her current spouse.  That seems wrong.  I mentioned it to him, he did something about it when he registered how weird it was himself.  They do talk about things outside of their son, which is fine with me, he's just more careful about what he shares with her.  I suspect he'll understand, I'm just making sure I'm not totally out of bounds by retracting my yes and changing it to a no.  @winelover123 - We don't have the STD cards yet, they're on order.  I figured before I send any of it out, I want to talk with him about taking back my yes.  However, I'm also of the mindset that the wedding is just as much his day as it is mine.  That said, I'm not inviting any of my ex's because I don't want him to be uncomfortable, and I never broached the topic (though I'm friendly with my ex's).  So, if he really wanted her there for -him-, that would be different.  The sole reason he told me he wants her there is because of their son.  I'm guessing because he'll be dressed in a tux.  I don't honestly know.  But, I figure since I'll be broaching the whole "I know I said yes...but..." conversation, I'll dig deeper into if there's another reason he wants her there that he hasn't communicated with me yet.  Which is possible.  In which case, I'm totally willing to rethink my stance.  It's just right now, I'm uncomfortable with it.
    Posted by shaylagirl[/QUOTE]

    I can understand being uncomfortable with an ex there. I think this is just something you really need to sit down and talk out with your FI - see if there's another reason why he wants her there. Chances are if you two do decide to invite the ex, you won't interact with her much. I don't imagine that she'll be in family pictures or anything where you'll have to spend a decent amount of time with her and you can sit her away from your table during the meal. But definitely talk to your FI - I don't think this is something that an online forum can really help with. GL!
  • edited March 2013
    In Response to Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend...:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: He wants the ex-wife to attend... : Haha.  Have fun with that.  There are only about a million of us born between 1983 and 1993.  :)  Although, I'd totes friend you just because anyone who goes through all that effort is crazy enough to be my friend. I'm actually not worried about general internet security, anyone who really wanted to dig through my post history could easily put together enough facts to search me out.  I have an unfortunately decent sized online footprint.  I just don't want people I know who use TK in passing, but not the message boards, to immediately make the connection.  *shrugs*
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

    I'm crazy enough to think about it, but possibly too lazy to follow through today. But I've got a pretty huge online footprint too so I'm not at all worried. Half of NEY from 2009-2010 is on my friends list. Anyone who tried to google me would probably be able to find some stuff.
  • @kmbryant2413 - First: You're right.  I don't quibble about those things, but it's possible that I'm trying to "force" her (mentally) into a frame I feel is appropriate for parenting, which equates to following through on things, etc.  Which are things -I- feel are important, but aren't necessarily important to others.  And I'll be the first to admit, this is an area I -suck- at.  Working on it.  :)  Thank you for the reminder.  :)

    Second: I'm trying hard to find the line where I feel okay, but I don't feel like I'm crushing his own friendships/relationships.  That's where my shakey line comes in to place; healthy boundaries for everyone.  I'll be the first to admit, I don't mind his other female friends that he talks in depth with about stuff (which includes, if he feels the need to ask for relationship advice), just something about him talking to her about our personal lives sets my teeth on edge.  He's gotten better, but sometimes I know some of it slips through his filter.  He's trying though, so I usually try to just gently point it out later I didn't think "x" was an appropriate topic.  

    And nah, none of this is taken rudely.  :)  I'm the one who posted for advice.  Why should I get hurt or offended if people offer it?  I'm the one who asked for it!  :)

    @lyndausvi - I totally agree.  My own son's been without his father for almost 14 years now, and I know it hurts him.  So, I'm totally okay with them being involved together.  Their son should come first between them.  

    Moreso my issue with her is that she'll promise something to their son, and fall through.  Or, if she's running late, she puts the responsibility on my FI to fix things (if she's had him for the weekend, and she's running late to get him to school so she's not late to work, she has my FI meet her to take him to school).  I was always raised "A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine."  The flip side is the kiddo shouldn't be punished by being late to school because mom never accounts for traffic.  But then the other side of the coin is she knows my FI will always 'save' her because their son's involved.  

    And honestly, I don't like her because she cheated on him.  A lot.  I know, that's judgemental of me, but I don't like being around people like that, which is why she wouldn't be someone I'd be friends with.  And because of her actions, he can be wary of my actions.  I joke with him sometimes that I pay the price of her mistakes.  He, again, is working on it, but I know sometimes it's still there in the back of his mind.

    @StageManager14 - Honestly, I cut down a BUNCH of contact with a few friends he expressed discomfort with.  I started to limit the amount of time we talked as well as what we talked about.  He wasn't happy, so it made me unhappy.  I'm not here to make him uncomfortable, and we both try our best to make one another happy.  We're not perfect.  We both make mistakes, but we do our best to learn from them.

    And I don't doubt he's not quite sure how to define their relationship.  It's something we have broached a few times when I've felt he said more than he should have.  I give him props for trying, at least, to make positive changes.  And I know he'll make mistakes.  I do too sometimes.  I'm not telling him to cut her out of his life (he couldn't anyways).  

    Mostly what I'm asking is if, for one day, it'd be okay for me to be a selfish and say "Hey, is it okay if we perhaps -don't- invite your ex?"

    @STARMOON44 - To be honest, I don't know if either one of us has ever paused to ask him what he thinks.  He's fairly laid back, but that's an interesting point.  Thank you!
  • shayla - It sounds like you're forming a more concrete grasp of what it is that's really bothering you, and you know how you're going to broach it. Good for you. Thanks again for being polite, many people who come here asking for 'advice' are not.
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    Next time, just fart. - BriSox81
  • I think it's absolutely appropriate to talk about it. Your FI should know how you're feeling, even if it wasn't what you originally expressed. The problem would be if you tried to ban her from ccoming without any discussion. I think it's pretty legit that she be there for their son personally I'd be more comfortable with that than her being there for your FI. Have the discussion, let him know why it makes you less than comfortable. Then on the dayof if she is invited which I would guess is where this will land he can at least be sensitive to how you're feeling about it and make sure that she's not in your face the whole time.
  • @kmbryant2413 - You mean to tell me people expect everyone to blow sunshine, bubbles and rainbows up their tushes and just say what -they- want to hear?  Gross.  Tongue Out  Although, I know it happens.  Undecided 

    @Kate61487 - We're going to talk about it this evening.  I'm not worried over much about the talk itself, but I just didn't want to come across as this total DBag for going back on my word.  And, maybe I am for doing this.  I'm  okay with that I suppose.  I just know I need to at least say something to him about it.  And, depending on what he says, we'll go from there.  :)

    Thanks a million everyone for not tearing me up.  :)  I know, he and I aren't perfect...but we do try...even when we screw up, we work through it and move forward. 

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