Parents and ex still have a relationship

Why would my ex-wife continue to have a relationship with my parents after four years of being divorced? I understand we have kids, but it’s beginning to be troublesome now that I’m in a serious relationship and thinking about getting married again. What’s good ex-etiquette?

It sounds like intellectually you understand why she’s staying in contact — they are your children’s grandparents — but you don’t like it because it cramps your style now that you have a serious relationship. But these relationships are not about you.

If, following the rules of good ex-etiquette, we put the children first (Ex-etiquette for Parents rule No. 1), then she’s supporting the children’s relationship with their grandparents — and what many of us don’t like to admit? They continue to be your children’s grandparents even when we are not around. Therefore, when there is a special occasion when the kids are scheduled to be with her, she probably invites them. That relationship was cultivated when you were together. Now that you are no longer together, you want to have a similar relationship with your new partner.

Stop comparing and trying to control the situation. Your parents are big people and can make the choice themselves. If your new partner is feeling threatened, that’s a red flag. A relationship with you will not be like a firsttime relationship. You have a past, and kids, and your life didn’t start when you met your new partner.

An important tip that may be helpful? Let the relationships fall where they may. Just as your relationship is different with every child, your parents’ relationship is also different with every child they have. If you have a sibling, I venture to think they love you both, but see the differences in you two. It’s the same with new partners. If both are kind, both are respectful, and most importantly, your parents can see your new partner is supportive of you and doesn’t put you or them in awkward positions, your parents will care for both — not necessarily one more than the other, but differently.

This is often a problem for new partners who see themselves as the true and real partner and the one who should be respected as such. That either-or mentality complicates your life when you are with someone who had children before you got there.

Good ex-etiquette requires an inclusive approach.