_community   discussion-forums

Families Discussion Forums

Reply
 
Thread Tools    Search this Thread    Display Modes   
  #1  
Old 04-03-2009, 12:52 PM
MrsFort
Family Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Question Need a friend

I am newly married with the man of my dreams. We have a great life and a great relationship... He has three beautiful kids from his previous marriage. The kids and I get along great and I love them to death. The problem I have is that since I got married all of my friends have deserted me. I do not work because I've yet to find a good quality job in my area. My family has made it very clear that they do not agree with me marrying someone who has children and has had a divorce. My husband and I are happy but I definately want to have a child of my own but he has had a vasectomy while he was married to his ex and a reversal is possible but his ex wife takes over half his paycheck every week so we have no extra money to do that. So the thoughts of having to deal with his crazy ex, knowing we cannot have children for quite sometime, that I have no family, no friends and really no social interaction except the once a week grocery trip I feel like I'm going crazy. Help!!!
  #2  
Old 04-09-2009, 05:27 AM
happyendings
Family Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Dear Mrs fort,

You sound very lonely and unhappy, the question which pops up is: Is he really the man of your dreams? If he is then you will be happy and he will be happy for you to rekindle old relationships with family and friends. If the latter is more difficult, then discuss it with him and if he loves you enough to make sure you're happy, then he will support, love and help you build new friends in your new life.
Good luck and don't go crazy!
Cintra
  #3  
Old 04-09-2009, 05:30 AM
happyendings
Family Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Perhaos you would like to look into the cost of bringing up a baby.
milk, nappies, clothes, medical care, toys, time, time, time.
Don't rush into that until you are ready emotionally, physically and financially.
Good luck
cintra

  #4  
Old 04-09-2009, 06:38 AM
browneyes01
Family Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 548
I agree if he is the man of your dreams he should encourage you to make friends or build up the friendships that you had in the past. And continue to stay in contact with your family they will soon come around and see that you love your husband.
  #5  
Old 04-09-2009, 06:08 PM
MaMaMuDa's Avatar
MaMaMuDa
Family Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 7
dear mrsfort..
i think u shouldn't rush into having your own kids. take things easy, one step at a time. cherish this moments u have with your husband and new step kids. since u got no problem with them, u should accept them as your own.
  #6  
Old 04-09-2009, 09:26 PM
urbanite
Family Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
Getting married is a big change on its own. Moving and marriage are both two of the most stressful things you do in life. To do it with stepchildren and disagreement from your family makes it even more overwhelming. So, I don't think you should be so hard on yourself.

I had a hard time when I gave up working to stay home full time. I still don't always feel like I'm as social as I'd like to be. I had a lot of luck with joining some parenting groups. Obviously you don't have newborns, which a lot of mothering groups are meant for. But, I found a good (local) parenting group through yahoo groups and a lot of those moms have kids a lot older than mine. I bet it would be a great help to meet other parents. And, I am sure there are step-parents or single moms out there that you would have something in common with. I'm assuming "mrs.fort" is a military reference. Are there parenting groups on base that you can join??

Another thing that has helped me get out in the world is volunteering. I volunteer weekly as a tutor. And, this month I started twice a month at a food pantry. The folks I've met there are really kind and friendly. idealist.org or volunteermatch.org are good places to look. Although, I bet your closest church or synagog would have some ideas--even if you're not a member.... In a pinch, you can always offer to volunteer at your stepkids' school. (so long as it doesn't send the ex into a frenzy). Schools are always in need of help. And, you would certainly meet young teachers who like kids and are up for a happy hour! (at the school I worked at we had a code word for happy hour... on Friday afternoons there would be a loud speaker announcement "Today's Optional Professional Training Program will be held at O'Ryan's immediately following dismissal..."

Lastly, I am really into environmental issues. So, I looked up some local groups in my area and signed up for some free classes that were offered. I recently took a 13 week gardening class. And, last winter I completed a 10 week environmental stewardship class. Both free. If you are into cooking, Williams Sonoma offers cooking classes at many local malls... things like that... I would just google things you are interested in and see if there is a non-profit that is in your area that is offering free training or classes that would be of interest. Worst case, maybe you can find some place to take free computer classes or something that would be a resume plus until you find work that suits you...

As far as trying to conceive...I definitely recommend being married at least 6 months to a year first. We became pregnant 4 months into our marriage, and man was that a lot to get used to all at once! Phew! So, since you have the vasectomy obstacle, you're guaranteed to have time to settle in before you TTC!

If it were our family, we would just add it to the budget or our debt snowball and start saving up for it. yardsale/craigslist stuff, mystery shop, consign clothes (i've had luck getting kids' clothes at Goodwill--they're the cheapest at only $1.25--and then selling them at consignment sales for a profit), coupon like mad, waitress, whatever. then put any extra money you have towards the reversal fund.

I've made $300 in the past two months through bank bonuses--opening checking accounts at banks where they are offering a bonus for new customers. You usually need to keep the money there for a few months to get the referral and several have minimum deposits. but, it might be an idea once you start saving money up.

Last thought--it might not be a bad idea to seek out a family counselor. You've taken a lot on! And, I've found it helpful to talk things through with an objective person. My husband and I go to a counselor every two months just for a "check up"--to make sure we're both on the same page and working towards the same goals. If things aren't going so well--a member of our family is stressing us out, there's stress at work, we're disagreeing about parenting issues, etc. we go more frequently. You don't have to go with your husband if he's not willing. But, it would still be a good idea to go on your own. You're dealing with new marital stress, stepmom stress, lack of job stress, strange ex wife drama, etc, etc. A good sounding board may be helpful. If your insurance doesn't cover counseling, I've heard that many churches offer counseling on a sliding scale or free. There may also be nonprofits that can steer you towards a counselor that helps, too. Also, social workers are licensed to provide counseling and are often cheaper than traditional psychologists.
__________________
my wish list
  #7  
Old 04-09-2009, 11:59 PM
Alejandros Mommy's Avatar
Alejandros Mommy
Sr. Moderator
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: In the Freezing North!
Posts: 9,776
Send a message via MSN to Alejandros Mommy
Hello and Welcome to families Feel free to join us! We are a wonderful community of parents, want to be parents etc.. I can tell you that this forum did keep me from going crazy when I moved with my husband away from my family. The women here are wonderful and truly supportive. Feel free to vent and time or join in the discussions.
__________________
Lessly Proud SAHM to Alejandro and Aiden
  #8  
Old 04-10-2009, 01:41 PM
wc551662
Family Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1
I hope you happiness
  #9  
Old 04-11-2009, 07:01 AM
embracelife's Avatar
embracelife
Family Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
Originally Posted by MrsFort
...and really no social interaction except the once a week grocery trip I feel like I'm going crazy. Help!!!
IF you can improve on THAT one aspect, it will make a HUGE difference. I'm sure your husband is tired after a day at work, but so are you with the kids. YOU need a break from the kids for your mental and physical health.

If you found a social endeavor at met once a week (church, join a group etc.) it will help.

I believe that women are generally much more social creatures than men. We NEED camaraderie! I've been trying to set up a female support group with church friends, and have yet to be successful, but I don't give up.

Reach out where you can for the female bonding that you need. It's hard to make friends, but just keep reaching out.

Hugs,

M

Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe | Blog For Us! | Be a Moderator! | Advertise with Us | Help
[x]close