Hello. I have an 18-mo old son. My ex left me in Sept for another woman and our divorce became final in Dec. I honestly believe that he left b/c he did not want the responsibilites of being a parent (he used to complain about getting up in the middle of the night and that I did not have time for him). He has started paying child support, but since he makes significantly less that I, the amount does not even cover half of our son's daycare costs. I'm stuck with the entire house note (which is in both of our names), as well as household maintenance and other financial obligations. He does not even come to see his son very often b/c "gas is too expensive" and he is now very involved in his church. However, he wants to introduce our son to his girlfriend since she is a very "wonderful and church-going" person. I am trying to do the right thing because I don't want to get in the way of my son knowing his father. But I don't think my son should have to meet his girlfriend. Am I just being difficult???

I dont think u r being difficult. And I think your ex should concentrate more on being a dad, and less on making introductions. That said, I dont think your going to have much control over who your ex introduces your son to. Are u angry over his excuses about money and the cost of gas, and not pulling his share of the cost of child support, and overly concerned about his gf? You'd be justified, but anger is going to lead u to feeling bitter, and that blows. Try and take comfort in being the better parent here. In the end, your son will thank u.

Yes for me I would let him. I would want to have a conversation about not introducing dozens of people in to my son’s life and why I thought that was important for our son’s well being. I would try explain to the ex why I would prefer that until it is a committed relationship my child does not really need to hear the whole girl friend talk, she is just a friend. For me given that I don’t really care about him having moved on I would also like to meet her and have some sort of civil relationship given that she is going to be involved. Actually I would like to explain all the above to both of them together so she understands it is about my son, not about me wishing her ill.
A lot of ex’s don’t ask if they can bring new people into your child’s life they just do it so I would take the fact that he has said something to you as a positive thing.

I don’t think you are being difficult and I do understand what you are saying about your ex and his lack of responsibility but ultimately you will be in the position where you don’t have a choice. This may be the one time that you can express and actually have him hear what your expectations are regarding his personal life and how it impacts on your son.