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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Update on previous post from yesterday

133 replies

TicklishLeader · 26/04/2026 22:22

Update on my previous thread that got deleted.

I’m not in a good place if I’m honest.
I’m 38, DH is 48. He has three children (18 and 15-year-old twins) and they don’t like me. I get it. I’m not their mum, I came into there and I probably represent something they didn’t ask for.

We’ve been together 6 years, married nearly 2. I didn’t break up his previous relationship we met 3 years after his divorce but I can see now that doesn’t really matter to anyone else. I think I was naive about what being a stepmum actually feels like when it isn’t warm or welcoming.

I’ve had two miscarriages before, and they affected me deeply. I don’t think I ever properly dealt with them especially the most recent miscarriage at 12 weeks. I am pregnant again 14 weeks. I have been anxious a lot recently. I didn’t want DH to tell his children yet because I couldn’t face their reaction. Even writing that makes me feel pathetic, but it’s the truth.

I’ve been all over the place mentally. One minute hopeful the next completely overwhelmed. I don’t feel stable I don’t feel like myself, and I don’t feel strong. I think I’ve been pretending I’m coping when actually I’m not.

The comments about DH being selfish hit something in me. I don’t even know if they’re right or not anymore. I just know I feel like everything is too much, and I don’t fit into this life in the way I thought I would.

I’ve come to my parents house because I needed space. And I’ve told my husband I don’t think I can do this anymore. That feels awful to say because I do love him but love doesn’t seem to be enough if we bring an innocent child into this world.

I think they’d be happier without me there, and maybe he would be too, even if he doesn’t see it yet.

I’ve asked that we sell the house and go our separate ways. He’s shocked and upset. I am too. This isn’t what I imagined my life would look like and it’s painful.
I’m taking time off work, civil service is quite lenient in those sense. I need to focus on my mental health because right now I feel low. I don’t feel like a person who could look after a child when I can barely hold myself together.

That’s probably the hardest thing to admit. I wanted to be a mum so much but wanting it doesn’t mean I’m in the right place for it. And right now I’m not.

Thank you to those who replied before, even the comments I did disagree with. I can see why people said what they did. I’m just trying to be honest about where I’m at now. I’m sorry for how I came across with some of my responses.

I have had some lovely messages so thank you I do appreciate it!

This is not a AIBU post it’s just an update as the original post was on here.

OP posts:
Gymnopedie · 26/04/2026 23:27

I’ve asked that we sell the house and go our separate ways. He’s shocked and upset.

Don't let that influence your thoughts. His actions, or lack of them, have a major hand in how you've come to this. Perhaps he thought you would just keep putting up and shutting up. Now is the time to put yourself first, foremost, and even only.

Justthisandthat · 26/04/2026 23:24

@TicklishLeader I didn’t see your post yesterday, but from what I’ve read today, it looks like you’ve done the right thing. You’ve taken yourself out of a situation you’re currently not happy in. Use this time to concentrate on yourself - getting yourself in a better mental space should be priority. Once things are clearer then make decisions on the future.

Popiscle · 26/04/2026 23:16

I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time, OP. I'm glad you've gone to your parents and have their support at hand. I'm not going to vote because that's not a call I can make. I wish you all the best, whatever direction you end up going in.

Ohnobackagain · 26/04/2026 23:12

Bless you @TicklishLeader there are plenty of us who are thinking of you and wishing you the very best. Take good care xx.

LittleBigSister · 26/04/2026 23:01

Thinking of you
It is good of you to introduce this new post.
Understand how everything is likely hard right now and hoping things gently and smoothly move forward. Take cares

Gymnopedie · 26/04/2026 22:54

I read the thread too and thought it attracted the common MN problem - if you're a stepmother (even to adults) you can't do right for doing wrong. I'm sorry it's come to this for you, but I hope you're feeling some sort of peace even if it's very small.

AlmostAJillSandwich · 26/04/2026 22:26

I really do wish you all the best, every peace and happiness, whatever decisions you make, take care of yourself Flowers

DoYouWantHalfThisSandwich · 26/04/2026 22:26

I read your post yesterday @TicklishLeader & although I didn’t comment then, I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you now 💐 I’ve no practical advice, but I want you to know that there are many on Mumsnet who are thinking of you at this difficult time 💐

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