<human>: My ex-husband and I have been separated for nearly a year. We have young children together and live closeby, so we see each other on a near-daily basis. Although I'd like a serious relationship in my life, I'm really disillusioned with dating and just can't see anything productive happening for me in that arena until my children are much older and my station in life has changed career-wise. Financially, my ex and I would be much better off if we lived together (it would be him moving into my house). The children, of course, would love it as well. He and I still don't get along perfectly but we're civil to one another. The temptation to pitch living together again is pretty strong. I know that he would be happy to do it and he would know that it wasn't because I wanted to give the relationship another chance. I'd be able to save more money, I'd feel safer (we don't live in a great city and I'm jumpy about living alone), it would give the kids more of a family unit, I would be able to finish college quicker because childcare wouldn't be an issue, etc.

This would be a bad idea, right? I think I need someone to talk me down from this. Because I've just thought of it I'm having trouble imagining the downsides so I can objectively debate with myself about it. Has anyone done this and regretted it? Not regretted it? Or maybe remained living with an ex after separating for similar reasons? Any input would be much appreciated, even if it's just saying "TERRIBLE IDEA BECAUSE XYZ!".

We're in our mid-20s and were married for several years and have 2 preschool aged children.

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<bot>: disillusioned with dating and putting it off till I've established my career several years from now, thinking about having my ex-husband move back in with me for financial and stability reasons.