This is an unfortunate truth, Outlaw. One I have seen happen first-hand from the other side of things as a kid with step-parents. My mother was married to my stepfather for over 20 years and one day, she surprises him with divorce papers. Not that he didn't deserve it in this case, but I am sure it was still hurtful and I feel sorry for him in many ways, because a large chunk of his life is gone now and I am sure he feels pretty bad about things, too.

After I left the house, I barely spoke to him unless my mom had me to family functions. I felt forced to have a relationship with him as I do with both my step-parents unfortunately. I may sound a bit harsh, but the connection you have with your own children will always supersede those of a step-child and from my experience. In addition, when I spend time with my father and his family, I notice a lot of differences in the way I am treated - i.e. pictures of my half-sisters adorn the walls of the house and in my step-grandparents homes, my step-mother is controlling with the relationship I have with my half-sisters, etc. It's normal, she feels protective of her own children and I am not part of the family in many respects. I know it's not PC to say it, but it's the truth.

After my experience, I will never date a man who has a child from a previous marriage. I have met some great men in this boat, too, but I just don't want to deal with the hassles and baggage that come with step-kids. I ask that up front on dates to make sure I don't develop feelings for him.

I also tend to shy away from men who asked for a divorce as it often shows a lack of commitment. If a woman cheats on them or they make efforts to make amends, go to counseling, then that's one thing, but I tend to scrutinize divorcees heavily because of my own experience. Also, if they have divorced more than once, I end things before they start.