Its not easy being a separated dad in Clare trying to keep some kind of personal life. Logistics are everything. My ex has the kids Monday to Thursday most weeks which gives me a narrow window. I work construction so im usually knackered by evening but thats when I start planning.
Last week I saw Sarah from Limerick. Shes a pro about discretion which matters in a small town like mine. We met at a hotel outside Ennis proper where no one knows me. Cost me 250 but honestly its worth it not to risk running into someone from the site crew or worse my ex's friends network.
The emotional side is complicated. Im lonely but im also careful. Dont want my kids thinking anything weird if something slips. So everything has to be calculated. Hotel bookings. Timing. Cash payments. No digital trail.
Sometimes I wonder if this is sustainable. But then another week goes by and the kids are happy with their mum and im managing two households and my needs are just another thing to schedule. Like everything else in this separated life.