DH has been struggling so much over the past six months or so with SS15 ignoring us, pretending we don't exist. It's become increasingly uncomfortable (and honestly, pointless) to have him in our home. He speaks to no one, interacts with no one, and is basically a ghost wandering around. He admitted to DH in so many words that he only keeps coming because he wants to stay in our school district.

Today, when DH and I got home from work, SS15 was a completely different person from who he's been the past six months with us. He asked us about our day, told us all about what he's doing in school, talked a mile a minute about his friends and whatnot.

I'd like to think that me calling him out on his bullshit had some impact. BUT, knowing SS, he probably wants something or is manipulating for some other reason. I'd like to believe there's been change but I just can't. I'd like to reengage, but I'll be damned if I let him screw me over again.

Would you be suspicious?

SS15 has made no improvement in his treatment of us since I last posted. He continues to ignore us all. In turn, we do nothing for him but the bare minimum. Three squares a day and a roof over his head. We feel him pulling further and further away and honestly, we'll be surprised if he continues visitation after this week. BM's PAS is working its wonderful magic on him. Despite him knowing who we are and what we're about, despite BM's poor treatment of him, he will always choose her. I understand the dynamics behind all that.

I have an amazing therapist. She is a stepmother who has been dealing with an unstable BM and PASed SD for twenty years. She understands the realities of what stepparents go through, the dynamics of step life, and has been unbelievably instrumental in helping DH and I maneuver our way through this minefield.