Dear Straight Talk: I am newly divorced from my husband who “wanted out” of the relationship after 18 years and three kids (13, 15, and 18). He has a girlfriend already and wants to act like old friends. The kids want us to be friends, too. But I’m so hurt and angry I cannot stand being in his proximity. If I see him somewhere, I leave. I don’t enter his house and don’t want him in mine. I’m biting my tongue and not verbally thrashing him around the kids (with difficulty), but am I really expected to hang out around him “for their sake” when having to see him makes me want to cry, scream and barf all at once? — Sheryl

Elise, 21, Rexburg, Idaho: My parents got divorced 12 years ago and communication between them is just ridiculous. As their child, it really hurts and angers me that they can’t get along, or at the very least be civil to each other when an important event requires them to be in the same room. I admire you for biting your tongue and PLEASE continue that. It is gut-wrenching to hear my parents back talk one another. I lose respect for them both. It’s not necessary to “hang out,” but when you have to be together, it’s important to be civil and polite even if you hate the other person — yes, for your children.