Dear Eric: I took a DNA test with an ex. The child is five. My ex gave me issues about it for years but finally caved in. Now that it’s verified that I’m not the child’s father, what do I do?
The mother didn’t even show up in court for the results. She has four other kids I’ve built a great bond with over the past six years. I offer my assistance, visit, call, etc. I want a family. They want to forget about me. I just want to do the right thing.
Eric says: It sounds like your ex is communicating the boundary that’s most healthy for her right now, and you should respect it. That means asking what, if any, contact she wants for you and her kids. Then follow that.
I’m sure this is painful. You’ve built relationships with these kids. I’d encourage you to talk about the feelings of loss with friends or loved ones you trust. Even though the child was not yours, there likely was a big part of you that felt connected as a father would be.
Something has happened between you and your ex that indicates a lot of mixed messages. She gave you “issues” about the test and didn’t come to the results hearing; is it possible she knew you weren’t the father?
It will help you, your ex and her kids for you to process the feelings you have about the dissolution of this relationship before attempting to reconnect.
A second chance?
Dear Eric: I am a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for more than three years. I’ve had to go through many consequences for my actions through that turbulent period of my life and am happily through them and moving forward.
I’ve lost a few close friends from childhood, and I admit that I said some pretty mean things during that time. They, understandably, decided to “ghost” me completely and ceased all communication with me a year before I sobered up. It hurt to lose their friendships so suddenly, but I came to understand that I was at fault and accepted their decisions.