Family get togethers

I should have added too ... I completely supported my mother and understood her not wanting to see her ex-husband, but I still would have preferred it if she put her feelings aside for the sake of the occasion.

Come to think of it, you have the power in this situation. And with great power comes great responsibility .

It's wonderful that you are happy now.

How lovely that you are happily settled Nansy.

I think that you should go to your DGD's birthday however difficult it might be. You are both her grandparents and should both be there - hopefully you can manage to cope for the sake of her and your daughter, especially as your DD has been supportive of you during the break up.

It will be hard but each subsequent get together will be easier and think about what you will miss if you don't go!

nansy speaking as the daughter of acromoniously divorced parents - both now long dead - and remembering (never forgetting!) the strain and the tension of family get togethers - just go, and put your "best foot forward" for the sake of others in the family.

After a polite greeting, you can avoid your ex-husband, especially in what I presume will be a largish group?