We’ve all heard of complicated relationships, but this one takes the cake! A man (37) has found himself in hot water with his girlfriend (27) after admitting that his ex-wife comes first in his life. The couple has been dating for three months, but the girlfriend is already feeling like second best. The man, a father of three, insists it’s all for the sake of his kids. But is he being fair to his new partner? Let’s dive into this juicy story!
A Long History with Ex-Wife Elaine

Friendly Co-Parenting

New Girlfriend Nicole

Nicole’s Frustration

Birthday Tradition with Ex

Nicole’s Disappointment

The Birthday Ritual

Nicole’s Anger

Defending the Tradition

Nicole’s Ultimatum

The Love for Elaine

Restricting Communication

Caught Between Ex and New Love
So, here’s the dilemma: our protagonist is trying to maintain a friendly relationship with his ex-wife for the sake of their children, but his new girlfriend Nicole feels like she’s playing second fiddle. Despite his insistence that he’s only doing it for the kids, Nicole demands he restrict communication with his ex. Is he wrong for wanting to keep the peace with his ex-wife, or is Nicole being unreasonable? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this sticky situation… ️♀️
Co-parenting with ex-wife is awesome, girlfriend needs to understand

Ex-wife and girlfriend clash over meeting kids. NTA, says comment.

When putting your ex first causes drama

Dating a parent requires maturity. NTA prioritizing kids’ mental health.

Teaching sons to respect women, NTA. Nicole’s insecurity revealed

Divorced parent praised for putting child first

NTA shows great co-parenting, GF doesn’t understand. Run

Setting a good example for kids and being civil to exes.

Dating incompatible partners? ♂️ Keep it moving, bro.

Prioritizing kids over girlfriend sparks fury

Commenter advises man to reconsider toxic and jealous girlfriend

Prioritizing kids over ex-wife angers current girlfriend

Girlfriend upset over man prioritizing ex-wife on Mother’s Day

Support for not being the a**hole in ex-wife situation

New girlfriend upset over man prioritizing ex-wife and family. YTA.

Ex’s breakfast in bed on her birthday? YTA according to commenters
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/77c925f8-f1a6-4dbc-95f4-cd9161a4bc8a.png)
Putting his ex-wife first causes girlfriend’s fury

Age gap causes judgmental comment and no replies.

Man’s ex-wife’s new husband can’t cook, sparks debate. YTA.

Mature co-parenting sparks girlfriend’s fury. NTA.

Co-parenting done right! NTA

Mature co-parenting vs. immature girlfriend ♂️

Raising good men and co-parenting amicably. Girlfriend disagrees.

Teaching kids about respect and maturity. NTA

Putting ex-wife’s birthday first causes girlfriend’s understandable upset

Partner upset over ex-husband’s intimate birthday gesture for ex-wife

Ex-wife over girlfriend? OP faces the music ♂️

Commenter defends man, calls out entitled ex-girlfriend with humor

Putting kids first: A healthy co-parenting example

Love for ex-wife causes girlfriend’s jealousy. NTA wins hearts.

Curious question about potential future with ex-wife sparks tension

Commenter suggests girlfriend is immature

Ex-husband not the a**hole, but girlfriend is angry

Putting ex-wife first causes girlfriend’s insecurities to surface

Mature co-parenting vs. immature girlfriend

Divorced couple sets healthy example for their children. NTA

Dating someone with kids can be messy

Dating advice for a dad prioritizing his kids over girlfriend

Balancing children and new relationships is a process . Girlfriend’s concerns valid

Co-parenting with ex-wife sparks girlfriend’s fury
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/c4aa95b2-c6ee-44f3-ac19-3e2ba25f0940.png)
Commenter approves, but with a hint of uncertainty

Is it time to let go of old traditions?

Helping your sons make breakfast for their mother is heartwarming ❤️
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/0db42691-6bd8-4823-8690-9b19012fc011.png)
Girlfriend demands ultimatum, but commenters agree with man’s priorities

Putting kids first causes girlfriend to get upset

Putting kids first is NTA, girlfriend needs to understand.

Teaching kids to be kind to their mother. NTA

Déjà vu? A commenter thinks they’ve read this story before.

Divorce doesn’t always mean hate, girlfriend needs to understand that

Maintaining healthy co-parenting relationship sparks girlfriend’s fury ♂️

Navigating complex relationships can be tough, but prioritizing love matters ❤️

Putting kids first is NTA, but girlfriend’s red flag

Setting a positive example for co-parenting after divorce

New relationship struggles with ex-wife’s priority

Stepdad feeling left out of breakfast in bed situation ♂️

Putting kids first, not ex, sparks girlfriend’s fury

Positive co-parenting requires effective communication. NAH, just give it time

Setting boundaries with ex-spouses can improve current relationships.

Prioritizing ex-wife over girlfriend leads to understanding and support
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/d83280af-832c-40e6-af7d-59caa62f70af.png)
Setting a great example for kids on respect and maturity

New girlfriend wants too much too soon, commenter calls her out.

Putting ex-wife first for the kids is NTA

Protecting the boys or selfish motive? NTA verdict.

Positive comment on co-parenting and wishing for happiness ❤️

Prioritizing ex-wife over girlfriend causes drama

Co-parenting peacefully but new GF insecure about ex’s birthday

Co-parenting with ex-wife causing tension with new girlfriend ♂️

Putting ex-wife first sparks girlfriend’s fury. Red flag?

Dating someone younger? Don’t expect emotional maturity ♂️

Supportive comment advises man to leave toxic girlfriend

Age is just a number, or is it?
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/559dd624-79e5-440d-80ac-6a74c513145f.png)
Positive comment applauds healthy relationship example.

Putting family first and honoring traditions

Commenter thinks man is the a**hole. Drama ensues.

Mature co-parenting vs. immature demands

Putting kids first is NTA. New girlfriend needs to understand

New girlfriend upset over ex-wife’s birthday, commenters side with ex.

Dating with kids is tough, but putting ex first is tricky
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://diplycom5cc47.zapwp.com/q:i/r:0/wp:1/w:1/u:https://static.diply.com/f2c909d1-5bae-4922-9ef7-dc1276ac3112.png)
Putting kids first sparks girlfriend’s fury. NTA, co-parenting rocks!

NTA. A heartwarming story of a great dad and stepdad ❤️

Putting ex first? YTA according to commenters. Relationship red flag

Mature co-parenting causes immature girlfriend’s fury

Protecting his kids, risking his relationship NTA

Find someone who respects your amazing dad skills

Mature man prioritizes kids, insecure girlfriend throws tantrum

Prioritizing ex-wife for blended family sparks girlfriend’s jealousy

Co-parenting struggles: Ex-wife vs girlfriend on daughter’s birthday. ESH.

Man prioritizes ex-wife on her birthday, sparks girlfriend’s jealousy

Avoid Nicole at all costs, she’s a potential bunny boiler
