My family goes to the fair every year on the 4th. I was excited to go and be able to spend some time with my hubby. I have a bio son 11, who was bringing one of his buddies - my son is very independent anyway, so not a clingy child. He likes to do what boys do, play and be very active, so he is not up under me all the time. I can easily enjoy my husband with my son around with no issues.

We also had other family who attended, aunts, cousins, etc. I was especially excited because my SD12, who normally lives with us full time, was with her mother. She spends time with mer mom in the summer and is with us during the weekdays throughout the school year. Since I knew she was away, I was excited to spend time with my hubby because, when SD12 is around, the vibe is very different. My hubby caters to her - she whines and complains about everything, is always all over him; she holds his hand constantly and sits where I should be sitting. Instead of playing with other kids, she's where the adults are and even inserts herself in adult conversation. Its just very difficult for me to get close to him the way I would like to when she is around, which is why I dont like doing things together with her. What I've learned to do is just disengage when she is around. The downside to that, is that I often lose out because it causes me to be distant to my hubby. And he notices the change in me.

Well, when I found out the night before the fair that she would also be coming. Even though I was hoping otherwise, I didnt let it get me down. I told myself that this is a family thing, we will have fun regardless. I even told myself that if my hubby is busy dealing with her, I will at least have my aunts and cousins to talk to and hang with. Well, the day turned out to be a nightmare. My hubby ended up leaving the fair after an hour, mainly because SD12 was unhappy. She was hot, whining like a 5 year old, constant whining and complaining about the heat - we were all hot!! She didn't want to ride any rides, she was moping around, like she always does. She is a lazy child anyway, so walking is not her thing. It was so disappointing.

When he told me they were leaving I was so hurt. I cant describe the way my heart felt at that moment. I am so frustrated with the situation and dont ever see it getting better. As a matter of fact, with her getting older, it will only get worse.

When i spoke to my husband about it, he made nothing but excuses. Claimed that SD12 didnt have anyone to play with and she was hot. He went on to say that she is NOT up under him all the time, yet it is so obvious to everyone else that she is. He then blames me for not being closer with her and so on.

Im at the point where I dont know what else to do. When it's just us, we are fine. When she is around, its miserable. I try and stay away as much as I can when she's around. But, I dont how much longer our marriage can go on like this. This child is not growing on me, and I seem to like her less each time I see her. I resent my husband because he allows this behavior and is the one to blame. IF he at least saw it, Id resepct him more and would possibly be less irritated by the whole thing. But, he just doesn't see it.

I dont know what to do. I told him the night of the fair, after the drama went ont, that I cant do it anymore. I want out.