For stepmothers across the country, dealing with the exwife is one of the most challenging aspects of the new marriage. Often there is immediate antagonism, even if the two have never met and the first marriage has been over for a long time.

Especially if an affair between you and your new mate led to the breakup of the first marriage, you could be in for a war with the ex that could play out for decades, often at the expense of the children. read more »

Instantly, I felt as if I was 16 years old and had just been busted by my parents. I felt as if I had done something wrong. The second time we met, even though I was prepared, I still felt awkward and self-conscious. And now that we’ve spent time together on a soccer field and exchanged pleasantries in passing, we’re polite but don’t really know each other. read more »

You’ve probably dated and dumped or been dumped by other partners during the course of your life. You may even have married before but chose to end it before kids came along. And though occasionally an old boyfriend might turn up to see what you’re up to, it’s sporadic. Those former flames usually don’t come back to your life to haunt you. read more »