Mom of 3, I am glad to be able to reciprocate the support.
I'm glad your parents are willing to help and that you've set those boundaries in terms of what you can/cannot handle with your son and you in terms of conversation. I hope you continue to do that as you need to, it sounds as if they are very supportive and that you can draw those boundaries if/when needed. The boundaries plus the support are a great asset!
I'm glad you are getting to see your counselor once a week, I know that this helps me to keep things from building up. I hope it offers you that same comfort.
I ended a relationship about 4 years ago...I've discussed in other posts. I, too, decided it was time to get to know me, spend some time with me and start learning to like me and be appreciative for the things I have in my life that are good. I know that things are quite a bit different as I ended the relationship, but my point is, that I'm glad that you plan to take that time for you! If things don't go as you hope, this is an excellent component of plan B, in my opinion. I know it's definitely helped me. The hardest part is the occasionally loneliness (lack of hugs primarily) but hey, I call a friend, go to my son or other relative and I'm not so lonely anymore. I think I've gotten used to being alone and probably like it way to much. I also have a hard time with the trust issue (my picker and others having my heart) but I'm working on that. If I'll be ready one day?????I'm thinking just like you - I'll worry about that when the time comes.
As far as a single parent....except for 5 years, I was a single parent and I personally think, looking back, it was awesome! My son are, I think closer, as a result of that! We had a song as corny as that may be "Wind Beneath My Wings". I know it wasn't written in that context, but hey we were the wind beneath each others wings. His father was remotely involved in his life, I never said a negative word about him, and they developed their own relationship....it didn't take away from mine. If I had it to do over again, after my divorce from his father(which I'd have preferred to remain married), I'd do it the same way except leave off the 5 year marriage in the middle! Again, I hope it doesn't come to that Mom of 3, just want you to know, there is hope if it does!
I see more strength come shining through! Hope to hear from you again soon!