We haven’t divorced yet, we are currently separated (I’m holding out hope for a reconciliation and like to think she is too). We are doing a 2-2-5-5 custody split.

Our kid (8) is well behaved and isn’t acting out around this, however, they take just about every opportunity to tell me that they wish they could just stay with Mom, they hate having to come home and stay with me, that Mom is more fun than me…stuff like that. Tonight was a new one: being around you makes me anxious and I don’t sleep well.

I understand that this is A LOT for them and this is likely a coping mechanism of some kind. Also, mom is a lot more stoic and reserved than I am and the little likely senses that she needs attention.

With that, it still hurts to hear. Have you experienced this? Does it get better? Any strategies to keep it from getting to you?