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Out of Left Field

Leslie's picture

Hi Everyone. I've been reading forever but finally joined and even though the years have been rough and I needed someone I didn't do anything till now. My husband and I have been married for 13 years and dated for 8 yeras prior to that. His wife left him and the kids to "live her life". The divorce took 6 years ( I met him 1 year after she left), she wanted nothing to do with the kids. My husband had sole custody of two young teenage boys. Remember this is going back 21 years. The youngest and I got along fine, it was the oldest that was an issue,calling me every name in the book while my "boyfriend" didn't do a thing. That sounds so bad now but back then I was young and didn't think twice about it. Well times have changed and the older one has been the supportive, involved guy and so was the younger one UNTIL he got married. The older stepson and him got along fine until the older one had to share the younger one with the new girlfriend. I loved her, that blew up in my face. Years go by everything seems fine, little do I know after about 2-3 years of them dating the younger stepson has a problem with me. NO one ever says anything and I go around not knowing. They get engaged, we rent a hotel room, decorate with flowers pay for everything, and I even helped pick out the ring. Wedding plans begin and the stress of the BM gets in the way. She still isn't doing anything for the kids but wants to be regonized. NO way!!
She has remarried and the kids hate the man. So me - I give them a check for 1/2 of everything, I pay for their honeymoon and give them a credit card to use while away. I say me because my husband wouldn't have been so generous. His mother gives him nothing or close to it. Fine they get a house we help along with her parents a down payment, the down payment gets bigger we help again. This is all coming out of an account that my husband and I set up so I would feel "safe" if soemthing was to happen I knew I could last a few months with paying bills etc. Its my account. They have a baby, I write a check, now things are turning sour. We have rules to see the baby. We are not allowed to feed, change or upset the baby in any way shape or form. We are not allowed to feed her or watch her get fed. Her mother is but we're not. We can't babysit and when we took her for a walk my sons wife stood outside and waited for us to return. We decide instead of staying home for a holiday that since they only want to visit for 4days ( oh the visits we get a list of items they need for 4 days that consists of 500.00 worth of furniture stuff and a months worth of food) we decided to go away instead. That did it for them. My husband went up to visit( they live away from us near her family) because my stepson needed to talk, so my 63 year old husband who will be working till he's 90 because we did too much flew to see them for the talk. Which I told him had to be about me, and he disagreeded , guess who was right.
They dislike the way I speak, treat him, that our marriage isn't good, they don't like my pet name for him, they don't like that I say this check is coming from my account( thats because they never thank me and I wanted them to know so maybe they would get the hint). They had no problem cashing the check. They feel all sorts of ways that made me sick to my stomach. Heres a kid I raised since he was 11-12 and did everything with, and this is how he treats me. He wants more rules for me, he wants me to only speak about certain subjects not others, he wants me to only attend certain functions and this way his BM will attend the same functions without her husband. I don't think so. My husband flipped. Then it got worse he picked on everything. I know it was his wife also whispering in his ear becasue through the years I've heard her. We've never said anything about her yelling at him in front of us, that they never have any food for us but expect us to have all sorts of food for them. My stepson then cursed at his father a couple of times and my husband hung up. My husband is the easiest guy to get along with. He gave up his life to raise those kids. NO sleep , he just worked to keep the roof over their head and spent every weekend doing something with them. This one has the nerve to say really horrible negative things about him and attacked my character as well. At this point we haven't spoken to them in months( 4). My personality is he's dead to me. I want nothing to do with him. His wife sent a Christmas card with the babys picture to us and my family, but my family will stick by my side and not let them get away with treating us so poorly. My husband doesn't want to show any disrepect towards me so he's holding his ground BUT for me if his son is sorry or wants to repair his relationship with his dad then he needs to call, write, email an apology and he hasn't. I can't begin to tell you how hurt I was. We have friends that my stepson talks to and in listening to what he says its still the same. He feels its okay to say what he did about me as well as not allow my husband or myself to babysit, feed, diaper the baby. He feels his wife only wants her mother and thats okay. I have no desire to ever speak with him again but am concerned about my husband. THats where we have a problem. Any ideas, I feel its not even an issue until my step son apologizes to my husband, but my husband feels differently. Thank you for letting me rant, and for whoever took the time to read sucha long rant. The things that were said were very hurtful. I didn't directly write them but it as you say cut to the bone or the core. I felt my heart drop to my stomach because I couldn't believe my stepson could say these things. Oh he also wants to be number 1 in his fathers life and that I shouldn't be number one. He's 34 years old with a wife , good job, house and baby number 2 on the way. He wrote something about that my husband stopped being a father. What happen was my husband and finally decided that we were making each other number one and also that we were going to stop writing those checks ( which we did and I think that is the major problem). I just will not have them in my home ever, they can stay with my stepson who lives close by and my husband can go visit but they aren't welcome in my home. I don't know if I'll ever get over this, I can't forgive him yet. For me I just act like they were never in my life. Thank you for the oulet.

CrystalRE's picture

I do not have any direct experience with a situation like this since my step children are all very young but I can tell you that my parents had this trouble with my little brother. He too became a different person when he got married and moved out on his own. Everything was lovely between him and my parents as long as they had the money to help him and his wife survive but when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer afford to support them all hell broke loose! They come back off and on when they think they might stand a chance of getting something out of my parents but ultimatley treat them like total crap! I know how hard it is but there comes a time when you have to stop parenting your adult children. I encourage my parents to be honest about their feelings and let them know that the money is gone...there isnt any and there wont ever be any more funds to hand out to them. Demand respect from these children before you reconcile or you will be dealing with this for years! Sometimes the "new wife", as in my brothers situation, wants her husband all to herself and is the driving force behind a lot of the problems. You have done so much to help your step son and so has your husband. He needs to realize that the reason you cant give any more is not because you are unwilling to but because they need to learn to help themselves.

melis070179's picture

Thats a terrible situation. I don't understand why they don't like you though...doesn't seem from what you've said that they really have a reason? I agree to stop giving them money, they are adults now with their own family and need to support themselves. I would just stay disengaged until they realize they were wrong. Its a hard place for your husband to be in, but he really needs to stick by your side and make them treat you with respect if they want their dad back. Its them that are doing this, not you. Its their problem to fix in my opinion.

"Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternizing with the enemy"

byebye's picture

How DARE they make RULES for you about what you can and cannot say! How DARE they comment about YOUR marriage! They don't like your pet name for DH? Ohhhhh, I would be calling him POOPSIE and HONEYBUNS in front of them every chance I got! Who do they think they are!? My god that makes my blood boil. What kind of an idiot lets his wife turn him against his own parents??? I'm glad you stopped financially supporting these ingrates... and I think you did way too much for these so-called adults.

Adult SD's recently made a "rule" for me. They don't want me calling them, they want their Dad calling them only. I'm the one that cooks holiday meals and buys presents. So guess what? They got NOTHING from me this past year - no b-day presents, no holiday meals. DH bought nothing for grandkids birthdays - he can't even remember their b-days! Christmas comes and he has no idea what to get them so he suggests a "grab bag" so he only has to buy one gift. They are forced to make US a meal consisting of cold pizza and rice krispie treats. Nice christmas dinner, girls! And I do like their rule of NO PHONE CALLS. Even if DH is dying in the hospital they will never know because I WON'T CALL THEM! This is the treatment I get after forking over 1000's for weddings and gifts, hosting graduation parties, babysitting THEIR kids, lending them MY car, oh I could go on. Put a fork in me cuz I'M DONE!

You're right that an apology is in order. SS needs to see the light or he can stay in the dark with that shrew of a wife and no support from you. And even with an apology I wouldn't give him any money, ever again. You've done enough! A small gift for special occasions, that's it. Unbelievable that he want to be #1 in Daddy's life. He needs to GROW UP already!

LONGTIME SM's picture

El, I also am done! TOTALLY DONE! My adult skids are both in their 30s and I recieved the same thanks as you for all I have done for them over the past 28 years! I am really glad at this point that I resisted the impulse to do more because it would never have ben enough!

As a result of their abdominable behavior towards myself and their BF this past year, I - like you - have not purchased one thing for my adult SD or Adult SS after their rant last year! I refuse to. I also refuse to have them in MY house where in the past they have been openly rude to me. DH has continued to send money on special occaisions but I think that after seeing how they have treated him all year he is done also - so this may come to an end shortly also!

One common thread that all of us seem to have in common is that most of these adult skids seem to feel entitled and most of the situations revolve around money............... As in the above case they also feel they have the right to make rules for us to live by yet they don't have to adhere to these same rules!

I do not understand why adult skids feel as though BF has to support them for their entire life or why they feel they need to be in control of our lives by making these outrageous rules!

I was raised to believe that the goal in raising children was to make them capable of supporting themselves so that they could move out and begin their own household - on their own! Why do adult skids not get this??????

In our case we did not guilt parent or try to buy their love - even when the BM threww the gauntlet down to try to get us to do this. The only thing that I can think of that DH did do was put up with their and BM's emotional blackmail just to see them. Could PAS from BM have these results still after all of these years?????

Leslie's picture

One common thread that all of us seem to have in common is that most of these adult skids seem to feel entitled and most of the situations revolve around money...............

I absoulty agree its always about money and a sense of entitlement. maybe they think becaus ethere parents are divorced that now they are owed something?? Its all that old buy me this and I'll like you thing. I think in my situation there BM just didn't do a thing, she never buys them things doesn't go overboard etc. As muchas I dislike that she left her kids and went to party she actually has done the thing I should've done. She is treated worse then me but it doesn't make anyu of this right. I could care less about the apology, I will not buy gifts, and my husband has a spending cap for the grand kids. The reason is they just expect so much and he actully has no problem giving it to them and us doing without.

Leslie's picture

Well the apology took 8 months and I received an email. While the letter seemed to be nice I have that gut feeling that it was Bull. The only reason I think the letter was written is becuase his father told him he wouldn't speak with him until an apology was given to me. My feeling not real and not sincere.
The end result he told his father was after being with me for 22years, his mother leaving him and not even seeing him for a period of time, taking the money that was suppose to go into an account for the kids IF she was to receive custody ( which she didn't) and in general a lack of having the time to "deal" with kids he wants his Bparents together. He is over 30 years old has his own children and wants mommy and daddy back together. Are you kidding me. SO now the second child is born and they are having an affair for the christening. You got it they invited us. I've already had this discussion with my husband I will never ever cook, clean, be in the same room or associate with my SS, Daughter in law or her family. This is my life and I'm choosing to not have them in it. It feels great not to have that horrible, negative , nagging feeling whenever we have to visit or I have to feel like a maid when they come here. My husband is upset but I told him a year ago when this happen that this is not a do over. He feels by going to the party /event it will show them that he is disrespecting me and his son would "win", not in my eyes. I feel that it shows that he supports his son, but at the same time his wonderful wife understands that and supports her husband. I also told him I could give a Sh** what these people think, if I did care then it would give them power over me and you know what at 45 I'm done!! He can understand my feelings and support me not seeing them or having them here or we can divorce. I'm not into this game anymore. They're adults and should be held respondsible for their actions. I feel good about my decision about not seeing them, talking with them or having them at my house. I finally feel like I can stand up to them and not take their bull. So he's deciding if he should go up or not, and I'm happy with my decision. He does however try to change my decision no matter how many times or ways I tell him No, not happening.

LONGTIME SM's picture

I am in the exact same place you are!!!! My skids have not apologized, however, and it is now going on 1 1/2 years for SS 35 and 1 year for SD 33. However, as in your case, despite them not talking to us they did send a birthday party invitation to my minor chidlren for step grandchildren's birthday party! I guess you gotta get that gift!!!! My minor children did not attend - I would never send them to a relative's house when their father or I had been deliberately not invited!!! I have no idea what they thought that they were accopmlishing by sending this! My kids were not upset that they didn't go at all - I think that they actually forgot about it!!!

I have also informed my husband that I am done - whether they ever apologise or not. I will not host these ungrateful rude adults any time that I can forsee and they will not be socializing with my minor children again as their moral behavior is reprehensible!

I let my husband know that he can have whatever relationship he choses with them but it will not be with us or around us. I doubt that his involvement will be that much though as he has always relied upon me to plan and host family get togethers. No more.

Too much has been said by these adult skids for me to ever be able to pretend that it had not happended - I would never be able to trust them again. Also, because of their horribly selfish behavior I do not want them around my children - they are a bad influence and have expressed intense jealousy of my BDs. Like you, I feel good about my decision and wish that it did not cause DH pain but I have to do what is best for myself and minor BDs. DH is also an adult and should be able to handle his adult children on his own.

I am sure that like your husband, mine will also try to pressure me to change my mind regarding this if they ever do apologise (if for no other reason than it is easier for him if I resume the hosting duties) but I,like you, plan to stand firm! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESOLVE! HANG IN THERE! After 28 years of being a step mother and now having rude, demanding adult skids I do know what you are going through!

Leslie's picture

Just an update

Its been over a year and my husband has gotten better however as I encourage his realtionship with his son and granddaughters to heal, mend and move on I still see the same pattern of behavior. Its just minor things but things I wouldn't want done to me. He's going for a visit it will be the first time he has seen his new grand daughter( he didn't go up there when she was born because he wanted to support me). He will be sleeping on a couch in a home that I put a huge down payment on. There are 4 bedrooms, each child has one and the other is the office. If it was us we would give them our room especially if it was a parent and use a blown up mattress for the 2 nights. He was suppose to stay at a hotel first and rent a car, but they are willing to let him stay on a couch. They are re building there relatinshipo and I still have no desire to ever speak with them again. My only problem is my husband. He tends to get moody, pouts and becomes a five year old because I won't go with him, I've actually already made plans for that weekend with my mother and my other stepsons-stepdaughter to go away. He loves her to death so wouldn't want me to cancel those plans. He doesn't want ot see his ex without me, he as others have posted wants me to purchase or give ideas on gifts, I will do none of that. I sometimes remind him its ther ebirthday or a holiday he should send a car but he doesn't and I'm sure I'm to blame. I'm still working on getting the college money out even if I have to take a penalty. ITs not hers the parents didn't want it so I could sure as Hell use it. So my life continues and mostly I enjoy it but every so often it becomes hard to continue my desire to keep these individuals out of my life. I try not to get so invoved with my other stepson and his wife, their expecting a new baby. I do have this overwhelming need to "help" them and then I see what happens and kick myself. I'm still learning and I'm still married, I just don't know if I would've chose this path if I knew or realized this would've happended. I think it would 've been healthier for me to chose another road 23 years ago. DOn't misunderstand I love my husband and the life we are creating but it has beena a long hard miserable road at times.

Leslie's picture

Well I'm still dealing with the passive aggressive behavior from my husband. The moodiness, "nothings wrong", sitting in the office,walking away as he's talking because he really just doens't want to talk etc. I told him to go to the gym alone I didn't want to be near him. I wasn't being nasty, I'm not angry I just don't want to be near him when he acts like this and doesn't recognize it.

I like a lot of other women here need to just focus on myself, thank my lucky stars I'm passed the childhood stuff, but in the same sentence I don't know which is worse. As an adult they still feel the same way they did as a child its just bigger.
I look forward to a better tomorrow

epgr's picture

Some people just NEVER grow up!.. when I was in 7th grade, my step mother and I didnt get along...I lived with her and my father for 3 wks before he decided he didnt want me there and sent me back to my moms.. it was then that I realized that my entire life SHE was the one who tried to make sure I had a relationship wiht him... they are divorced now and she will still not say one bad word about him.. he is a POS.. I love my step mother, my kids call her nana, it takes some growing up to realize what what your step mother did for you when everyone wasnt willing to take the time out to do..
They need to grow up! setting rules for what you can say?? wth is that.. NO NO NO!! someone needs a reality check!