X came by to pick up the kids today for the night and she had her leasure wear on. It included a wind suit and a diamond tennis bracelet and a watch with a diamond studded band. Yikes!!!!!<P>Om must be loaded. The watch had to be pretty new as I haven't seen it or the bracelet for that matter. I had just noted a week or two ago that she had another watch on. That one was more of a Timex.<P>I guess she really didn't mean it then when she said last summer when she was planning on leaving the marriage that "things" don't matter anymore. That this was true love she had found with her "soulmate."<P>I have to admit it makes my heart sink, to think she can be won over by trinkets. I guess the gold jewelry I bought her wasn't "enough."

RWD:<BR>I know how increduluous you must be, as well as resentful etc. Not easy stuff, no matter what.<BR>My situation is VERY similar except ow is 19 years younger than H....and he is the proverbial sugar daddy, and she the trophy.<P>I guess your X is the "trophy" in the new relationship where materialistic excess determines the worth of the persons feelings...shallow, distasteful and hard to bare, especially if this is "new" to this person. Before your finances went for the kids, your lifestyle, now with OM, all can go on her body to show her worth..... it is a sick world out there, my friend.<BR>Take care

What ever jewlery she wears or what ever new car she drives, that is provided by the O/W will not make up for the loss of family and the time she spends with her children.<P>I would like to know how long it will keep up after the newness wears off.<P>I know it hurts. My H came to see me 2 days ago, he had gone a big shopping trip and bought who knows what, He had on new pants, shirt, watch and shoes. The kids and I are on a budget. He forgets, that half of his money is still half mine. I have to ask for everything. He usually gives it to me......but he is so selfish right now. He has missed 2 concert (band) with the kids because he is working out of town again.<P>But I try to remember......that I am the one here, with the kids, and nothing......no amount of money, clothes and jewelry cannot buy that or replace it.<P>Hang in there.....My first court date is next Tues, the 9. A pre settlement thing. WE won't agree so it will be a while before I am actually D'ed.

RWD,<P>Don't be too concerned. It could be Diamonique instead of real diamonds. QVC produces tons of Diamonque items and they are very reasonably priced and very hard to tell from the real thing. I've got a pair of 1 carat total weight earrings that everyone thinks are real.<P>On the other hand, if her OM is giving her the real thing, then also don't be concerned. Anyone who gives expensive gifts to someone with whom they don't have a commitment is only proving that his love for your Wife is not sufficient gift. Next time, casually compliment her on her new jewelry and see if she offers any information.<P>Tegan

Bob, <BR>I wouldn't be too concerned about it. You just have to move on and remember that the wife you knew before is not there anymore. And you don't like this one!<BR>Trinket, while nice, and I wouldn't pass on one , in the big picture don't mean anything. The love of your family and feeling good about yourself is where it is. She can't feel good about what she has done, she will have to live with it the rest of her life. <BR>By the way, did you get my email??<P>------------------<BR>Susan

RWD,<P>Hey think of if this way. If you are secure in yourself and the way you look and the way you feel.......you wouldn't need new clothes, jewelery or that expensive car. Most insecure people wear all of that "crap" to be noticed. They could care less what people say....they just want the looks. <P>Did you ever dress up and think to yourself...Damn....I clean up pretty good. There is this spring in your step.....a smile on your face....but when the clothes come off.....do you feel the same? Probably not. <P>My stbx has bought all kinds of new clothes and shoes and CD's and a new stereo etc. Alls that tells me is he must be pretty bored and lonely.....really...how many men go and actually like shopping. He must spend the better part of his days in stores. He needs all of these new things to feel good. Not only about himself...but about his situation.<P>But hey...I know....it is hard. I hate seeing him drive up in a newly washed and waxed car. (mine hasn't been washed in over a year) I hate hearing about his new 500.00 suits and shoes. I mean here his children are, wearing garage sale clothes. Must make him feel really good<P><BR>Nancy

I guess next time x cries to me about not having any money I'll tell her to hock her diamonds !!!!