Long time reader...quick version of my story...I’m 38 she’s 35. We were married for 7 years...have 5 year old twins w STBX...I moved to a state with her where I know nobody (to be with her family.) She was the driver of the divorce but it was for the same reasons that I see typically mentioned here (finances, bedroom issues, etc). Nobody cheated.

we’ve been living in the same house since last June (when she handed me papers). Wasn’t totally out of the blue but can’t say that I gave up on trying. We ended up at 50:50 custody. House just sold and were expecting it to close on June 1st.

Questions:

Anyone get a dog after the divorce was final (for themselves and/or for the kids) to help with the healing process? Thoughts?

Anyone try to remain friends with their ex for the kids (at least for the short term) and do weekly dinner or breakfast? Is that giving them false hope that we will get back together?

Sorry for the long post.