My Dad is on vacation in colorado until today. He calls me last night to tell me him and his gf got married while there. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled. She is the reason my parents split up (well her and my dad obviously) so I've always been bitter towards the whole situation. So now I have a step mom and 3 step sisters (the one I've posted about before with the tiny baby). Those that have dealt with re-marriage, how have you handled it? I'm glad he's happy, but I wish my Mom was-she hasn't dated a single person since they split-she says she's happy being alone, but I don't know if I fully buy it. I just wish she'd find some nice guy to sweep her off her feet and treat her how she should be treated.
Re: *sigh*
My dad has been with my step-monster since I was 5- I didnt like her then and I still dont like her- and I grew up in my dad's house...so it was a constant struggle- now that I'm an adult I can be civil but it's hard...
I would do your best to be civil for your dad's sake but dont feel like you have to go above and beyond.
My Dad got re-married fairly quickly after my parents divorce was final (after just shy of 25 years together). It took me a few years to have a relationship with him, and before this I was definitely Daddy's girl. He married a family friend of ours. It was after 9/11 that I sought a relationship with him, because I thought, it was not worth not being close with him. It took me several years after this to be friendly with his wife. I call her my Dad's wife or her name, not step-mom. They were married when I was in my 20s, so it just seem weird to consider her a step-mom. Now we have a good relationship. They do live about 4 hours away, so I do not see them super often, but talk on the phone about once per week. I do not have a relationship with her kids. First it was because I was hurt, as they were younger, so they kind of became his other family and now, we just never see them, as they live all over and go to visit at different times than we do. Probably at this point in time, if my Dad and his wife were to ever move back to this area, I would at least invite her kids to functions that they might be invited to, but I do not think that they would ever be my "step siblings". Sorry for it being so long, but just wanted to share our situation.
My Mom was bitter for awhile, but is not anymore. It seemed like my wedding was a turning point (this was about 13-14 years later). They were really nice to each other at it and even danced together (my Dad's wife did not feel comfortable coming, even though she was invited). Ever since then they have been very nice to each other, asking about each other and there is no longer the awkwardness at family functions.