Angela, 34, is struggling with a challenging situation in her marriage. Married to Dean for three years and currently pregnant, she recently learned that Dean’s ex-wife is four months pregnant. While Dean isn’t the father, the announcement has deeply unsettled Angela, sparking sleepless nights and anxiety.
The main issue lies in a legal agreement requiring Dean to pay the mortgage on his ex’s house until their youngest child turns 18. Now, the ex-wife wants her new partner—the father of her baby—to move into the house. Angela is upset that Dean would essentially be subsidizing his ex-wife’s new family while struggling to contribute to their own household.
To complicate matters, Dean’s ex has threatened to move far away with their kids if he pushes to sell the house, which could separate him from his children. Angela feels trapped, frustrated, and unsure about their future, as she continues to make sacrifices for what she sees as the ex-wife’s comfort.
Angela seeks advice: how can she prioritize her own family’s needs while navigating this complex dynamic? What would you do in her position?