Originally Posted by JesseQuinn

closest I have come to that is in 2016 moving in with a casual partner who had a minor age son. I was terrified (I thought I didn't know how to speak to kids) but he became my shadow, we just got along and I was not responsible for his upbringing. he got close with my husband too, tickle and dunk underwater kenpo to the death in the pool to wake the neighborhood as if they were not already awake. and he spoke to my boy about guy stuff that was between them and I loved seeing them doing that

absolutely a sugar donut and some fries will solve your tantrum, or we can just talk as we spar in the kitchen. he always chose the latter. coolest kid ever. his mom wasn't sure how I'd react to his presence and he was just a delight every day that made it ok for her too.

if I ever adopt a kid (years from now) T will be why. he's still a part of my life and knows his uni tuition is covered

most people end up having kids, if not right for someone totally cool but there's nothing alpha or beta about being someone who absorbs life's gifts even if they do not contain your DNA