I turned 30 a week ago, and split with the old lady nearly two months ago. We have two kids, and she left them with me. Doesn't even care to see them. I'm a combat vet, graduate college next Saturday, and am now raising my son, 4, and my daughter, 2, on my own.

I've always been the nice guy. Always been understanding and patient, even when I'm at my wit's end. I gave her chance after chance after chance, you get the idea. I just wanted my kids to grow up with a traditional family. She took full advantage of that.

I feel lost reading these posts and not even knowing where to begin or what to change first, all I know is that I refuse to be that fucking sucker again. But I also want to continue being a good father to my kids. How can I change, without this affecting my relationship with my son or daughter? If you were in my shoes, what steps would you take on your path to embodying TRP?