I'd HOWL with ya

there are simply less restrictions and potential conflicts
if there are no ties with others involved of course.

so it is easier without any previous marriages, or any
serious relationships, or children. this is very
understandable. it never bothered me though. i've dated
women with children, coming off of several years living
with their exclusive partner, separated, and divorced.

for me it is a package deal but i love kids so that part
is easy for me. the ex's can be a real problem if they
decide to intrude - and that has happened to me. some ex's
can be extraordinarily jealous, unbalanced, and/or nasty.

but in the end it depends on the persons involved. the
date and her family and what kind of relationship and
family you can build together. but no doubt about it,
there are much fewer complications without kids, and
there is also a lot more one-on-one time to get to know
one another without the parenting responsibilities during
courtship.

I don't know. Why do you keep asking me?

As for me, my ex had 3 very little girls (1, 2 and 3) when we got married. I love them still as if they were my own. Unfortunately, part of the reason we are divorced is because my family found out they each had different fathers, then decided she wasn't the right one for me, so they decided to do all in thier power to break us up. After the divorce her family made sure I could never see my girls again against both our wills (long story). I'm not supposed to know it, but they still call me dad when my ex's family is not around. My family can never do that to me again as I have had to practically divorce myself from them to regain my freedom, so I know that could never happen again. That for a long time was the ONLY thing that had scared me from thinking about dating someone with children, but not any more. I think dating someone with children can be either an impediment or an enhancing factor in a relationship, depending on the people involved. If I were to fall in love with a woman I think it would be impossible to not love her children as well, because they are a part of "her" as well. Then again, for me I would probably fall in love with her kids at about the same time I fell in love with her. They could be infants or semi-independent teenagers, who cares (although I really love babies ). For me the only difference would be the things you are able to do with them both individually and together with their mom. That is what can make having kids great, being able to share family time. Even if the kids have a father they love, if you are lucky to be in the right relationship you can still find a place in their hearts as well and be able to be thier friend rather than the guy who stole their mom. Being a stepdad can be difficult at times, but It can be rewarding as well.