​Most people want to make a great first impression, whether it’s to gain employment or to impress a potential romantic interest therefore we tend to make sure we’re approachable, polite, interesting, and tolerable- in other words on our best behavior. The comedian Chris Rock once said, “When you meet somebody for the first time, you’re not meeting them. You’re meeting their representative.” Which is basically the version of themselves that’s more appealing and socially acceptable. Whether joking or not, it does have some truth to it.  

​So you are the toxic one, the problem, the reason why all the shi* that happened, happened. In other words, it’s your fault. It’s all on you and now you are wondering how do I fix this mess that I have created. Well let’s try to navigate through the situation as generally as possible with some possible acknowledgements. 

​Parenting comes with no shortness of rewards and difficulties. However, when you have to co-parent with a toxic or abusive ex things can go to levels that are unimaginable. I have seen firsthand situations involving harassment, court proceedings, emotional and mental abuse as well as parental alienation which can make co-parenting a living hell. However, even with these straining factors there are healthy ways to co-parent that will help maintain your mental wellness and create a safe space for your child which is most important. 

​The end of a relationship can be painful especially if it was a bad breakup.  We’ve all been there, your mind is completely bombarded with thoughts of them, you go back and forth between the good and bad times, you think about calling them or may even stalk their social media. 

NOTE: This is part 2 of our discussion. Link to part 1 is below. 
Click Here To Read Part 1
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If you are still along for this ride, lets continue our conversation. 

5. MIGHT WANT TO PUT THE HENNY & BACKWOODS DOWN
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Evaluate your current habits. How much have you been drinking or smoking lately? I’m not judging here. I will say that excessive drinking and smoking are coping mechanisms.