DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My new stepmother is never wrong according to my father. Could it be she’s nearly 15 years younger? I swear she lives to bait me, and whenever I call her out in my father’s hearing, she comes up with an, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I honestly didn’t mean to upset you.” And my dad falls for it every time.
Her latest thing is telling me every time I stop in how slutty my girlfriend is. She’s only met her three times, and it was a quick meet each time, but she is convinced my girlfriend is only after me because my dad has some money. That has nothing to do with me. I earn my own money, live on my own, and never ask for anything from either him or my stepmonster.
Is it worth having a heart-to-heart with my dad to let him know what a b___h he married? --- CAN’T STAND THE WOMAN
DEAR CAN’T STAND THE WOMAN: Like it or not — and clearly you don’t — this woman is your father’s choice, and sharing your opinion of her might only drive a wedge between you and your dad. So long as she makes him happy and does him no harm, get used to the idea you’ll just have to put up with her.
To avoid being around your stepmother too much, you might consider working in time with your dad when she isn’t in the picture. Let him know how much the one-on-one time means to you.
Most certainly, I also think you need to stick up for your girlfriend. Whenever possible limit her exposure to your stepmother. Knowing that badmouthing someone special in your life upsets you only gives her more ammunition to get under your skin.