Either/Or

[ehowton]

I think part of the problem may be how Mark's relationship worked with you and the girls. You mentioned that you felt (guilt?) over not paying enough attention to Mark because of raising kids, ergo you don't believe you can be in a relationship until the kids are grown.

I don't need you to pay attention to me INSTEAD of the girls, I simply wish to be included with them. Plus...I don't expect you to be the only one attending to the girls' needs all by yourself. I plan to be an active participant in their lives along with you, which will greatly change the single-mother dynamic.