Sowetan

Best friend baby mama is causing problems

Girlfriend unhappy about relationsh­ip

- Boitumelo Tshenkeng & Mandisa O Mahlobo Relationsh­ip Roundtable

The mother of my child and I are the best of friends, but this is making my current girlfriend very insecure. She now wants to dictate when and how I should talk to her as she says she doesn’t trust me around her. I totally disagree with her request.

Boitumelo replies:

Is there a reason for her not to trust you particular­ly? It sounds like she does not have confidence in you and that’s what you must work on. However, I am just imagining how it feels like for your partner to keep hearing you referring to your ex as your best friend. Can you imagine her always talking about her exboyfrien­d who is apparently her best friend? How would that make you feel? I can confirm to you that it is a different feeling when you have to be the one on the other side and you are asked to accept other people’s unfair requests.

It is good to have a good relationsh­ip with the mother of your child but given the nature and history of your relationsh­ip, it will always be an issue for whoever is your girlfriend at that time. I would say keep the relationsh­ip civil, with good boundaries. Being best of friends will always work against you.

MOM replies:

The mother of your child is your ex. Ex means she’s in the past. Having a healthy and functional relationsh­ip with her for the sake of the child is to be applauded. However, getting close to her to the point where it’s making your current lover insecure is unnecessar­y. Ask yourself this; if the tables were turned, would you approve? Do unto others as you would like it done to you.

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