I’m struggling a bit with something , and I’m hoping some of you might understand or have advice.

I’ve been separated for about 18 months and am now in a new relationship. While the separation was always quite a tough one to deal with mentally, a new chapter about to unfold is sending my brain all over the place.

My partner has her child full-time, and we’re starting thinking about to move in together. I mean this may not even happen for months down the line, but it’s made me realise the reality of the situation. This means I’ll be living with a child full-time—but it’s not my child. Meanwhile, I only get to see my own children 50% of the time.

This situation brings up a lot of conflicting emotions for me. I love my kids deeply and feel such a sense of loss and sadness not being with them every day. What kinda person actively chooses that???

I’m struggling to accept it emotionally. Has anyone else been through something similar? How do you manage the sadness and sense of missing out when you’re with your kids less, especially if you’re living with another child who isn’t yours? Any advice or thoughts would really help.