I'm going to be a single mum. My DP and I have not split but we have agreed that we can't be who we are not. IYKWIM. I will find my own place and he will always be Elouise's dad, and we have no custody issues. Her address will be mine primarily (he's at uni, so he can't be full time dad) but she's going to be with him heaps.

We came to this decision with a lot of me crying and getting angry at him as he's not romantic to me at all, but after talking to my ex (who just knows me really well and was able to help me sort out what I want) last night, I talked to DP and we're no longer together but moving out etc will take some time.

I just am confused about centrelink. I'm on parenting payment partnered and wonder how to go to single payment. Do I just call them up and ask questions? I need to find a place either close to where I am now (Ryde) or near my new work (Lane Cove) as I don't drive and can't take 3 buses to work etc.

How did you adjust to your break-ups? How did you become independent? I can't live with my folks, they're in Brisbane and its a 2 bedroom house with my dad and brother in one room and mum in the other. It was very crowded when we were up on hols I'll tell you that! And I don't want El to be very far from her daddy.

My ex and I are not getting back together. We do still care for each other and always will but this is a big change for me and there's Ellie to consider. XBF is unsure how to be around her but we are not getting together at all. Just friends. Plus the way I see it, is whoever my new partner ends up being however far in the future, Elouise will have two dads.

Can anyone give me advice?