Thanks very much for your wise words. Sorry it has taken me a while to reply but I did go on my gamble free holiday. It was lovely as my friend joined me with her 2 children for half the holiday and my sister and brother in law for the other half. Even though my daughter was unfortunately ill when we were away she had a lovely time. It is very true that there are many opportunities in life if only you choose to look for them / take them! I took the opportunity to go away without my CG and we had a good time.
The problem I have had is trying to set up a firm arrangement. My CG has been non committal when I have tried to do this. Taking a step back he is presently making arrangements and sticking to them. I believe he is in a period where is gambling is less intense his behaviour suggests this. He told me he needed to spend more time with our daughter and do more things with her. But as always we shall see how long this lasts.
I’m still trying to sort out my boundaries. I do really struggle with this although I’m very clear now that I no longer wish to live with a gambling addiction. I’m trying to protect my daughter from the addiction too and at the moment it is obvious her dad really wants to spend time with her and do things with our daughter. This then makes me worry; how long will it last? He will stick to arrangements I believe but more halfheartedly.
I generally feel much clearer and less stressed. That is good. It is school holiday so I am spending a lot of time with my daughter. She asks a lot of questions of her dad’ why don’t you live at my house daddy’. This no longer upsets me to hear. It is unfortunate but reality and I find it much easier to deal with than I did a few months ago!
Thanks as always for reading and the great advice.
M