[TexasUTgal]

I've been dating a man who has 2 kids with the woman he has known for about 16 years. They were never married and a week prior to us meeting he had moved back home because his kids miss him and would cry at night for him. He told me that he only moved back for the kids. He spends as much time as he can with me and is in constant communication to give me some peace of mind. I get really sad every time we have a wonderful day and then I realize where has to go. Any advice?

[Eileen G]

Dating a man with this much baggage is extremely difficult, and I wouldn't do it unless you are extremely committed to him and the relationship. If he has children, they have to come first, and you are going to have to accept that. And you are also going to have to accept that the mother of those children will always have a bond with him, even if they are not together. Even if you have children with him yourself, he will still have the same relationship with his other children.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to think hard about this relationship. It's always going to be a difficult one. If you are not 100% sure this is the only man for you, I would look around and see if you can meet someone who doesn't have the same amount of baggage.