I read the part about your parents disapproval, if they knew.

Being in your early twenties, involvement with a man that already has such a serious responsibility in being a parent can seem limiting.

It's complicated to describe that whole idea of kids coming first. That type of love is very, very different. They are a priority, because that's just responsible parenting. Communication with the other parent is the mature approach. If seeking advice about things other than kid centered, seems iffy and worthy of communication being open and transparent. Not to say he does, but that would be off putting for most. As an example of where lines are drawn.

As a single mom, there's a certain respect that pays off with the children's love for their father, that is bestowed. Now, after all these years. Was rocky in the beginning of the divorce years.

It's much to take in. How deeply do you care about him?