So I had kids young, I got married with a mortgage and spent all my 20s working and parenting. I've been separated from my ex-wife for about two years and with my current partner for about a year. I have my children most weekends. My separation was quickly followed by the pandemic, I lost my home, career, and had to move around the country until I met my girlfriend. I have worked jobs I hated to get by and just landed a great job, but I dont have any friends given my moving around and time as a parent.
My current partner never had children, focused on career and having fun and as a result has a great job and has pretty much kept all the friends she's ever made from childhood, she's seen so much more of the world and done so many fun things I can't even imagine. The time I've spent with her has really helped me catch up on a lot of living.
What I struggle with is when I have my children and she goes out with her friends; shows, parties, pubs, clubs, bars, festivals, holidays etc. I feel like I'm missing out and as much as I want her to enjoy herself and appreciate how much she's made me happier, I'm definitely jealous of her life. When I was a full time parent I never worried about missing out on such things, now I'm a weekend dad I feel like I've got the worst of everything. I work all week long missing my kids, and at the weekend I miss my girlfriend and envy the rich social life she has.
I know I shouldn't feel this way and honestly I just want some ideas of positive thinking to turn this around.
My current partner never had children, focused on career and having fun and as a result has a great job and has pretty much kept all the friends she's ever made from childhood, she's seen so much more of the world and done so many fun things I can't even imagine. The time I've spent with her has really helped me catch up on a lot of living.
What I struggle with is when I have my children and she goes out with her friends; shows, parties, pubs, clubs, bars, festivals, holidays etc. I feel like I'm missing out and as much as I want her to enjoy herself and appreciate how much she's made me happier, I'm definitely jealous of her life. When I was a full time parent I never worried about missing out on such things, now I'm a weekend dad I feel like I've got the worst of everything. I work all week long missing my kids, and at the weekend I miss my girlfriend and envy the rich social life she has.
I know I shouldn't feel this way and honestly I just want some ideas of positive thinking to turn this around.
