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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I being the wicked stepmother?!

172 replies

MyKidsHavePaws · 14/12/2024 02:55

Long winded but here goes. I’m with my partner 3 years. We got engaged very recently. Due to his own personal circumstances, he moved in with me super quick - after 2 months, but we are soulmates and I was delighted he did. His son followed suit 8 months later. His son is an adult - now 21. We’ll call him Bob. Bob was never “supposed to move in” but was staying a couple nights a week and then just never went back home - issues with mother. OH and I bought a house together just over a year ago. Which Bob also lives in. He contributes 100 a month to live with us.

Since I’ve known Bob, he has completed a levels (not good grades) had a part time job he got sacked from, got a full time job, which he reduced to part time and now is going to reduce to “relief” hours. He is repeating an a level with a view to going to uni. But only attends that class about half the time and has now declared he doesn’t think he’ll get into uni so doesn’t know what he’ll do. He does not contribute in any way to the household - he doesn’t empty a dishwasher - if the dishwasher is full he’ll just leave dishes in the sink. His dad cleans his bathroom for him. To be fair Bob does his own washing, but an example - I have stuff on the indoor air dryer at this time of year. He will literally remove my still damp stuff, to hang up his own. He doesn’t even bring that much personality to the table as we could literally go days without so much as a hello.

Up til this point he has pretty much bought and cooked his own food but because money is now tight with him reducing hours - he’s now started to eat all our food. Example - I made sausages one night for tea, he was offered some - declined. I purposefully cooked extra because I was on a long day at work the next day. I wrapped them up in 2 separate foil packages. One for me, one for OH. By time I was leaving for work at 4am, BOTH were gone. When I text Bob, the reply I got was “oops”. No apology. I was working away, so whilst on phone to OH next night, I was upset about it and he said “so when is your period due again?!” 🤬

I had friends over last weekend and bought lots of nice treats including 12 bars of chocolate. Bob ate every single one in the space of 3/4 days. And thinks it’s acceptable?!

I have settled myself that he lives with us - for how long I do not know. But am I being unreasonable that I’m now expected to financially maintain another adult?! What OH and I contribute to the joint account along with Bobs £100, by the time bills are paid, there is just £150 for groceries. All the food and cleaning products and toilet roll… for a month for £150. Needless to say I always spend a lot more.

I love my OH dearly. So much. His son is the only thing we argue about. He has dad guilt - even though the failure of his first marriage was not his fault. But I feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall. Am I being unreasonable to ask for a bit of respect our home?

Also for a bit more perspective, I have health problems. I work part time, but earn the same amount as OH. As we now have a wedding to pay for, I’ve picked up a second job… even though it’s quite literally destroying my health. Yet Bob can see fit to reduce his hours to “relief” and is a fit and healthy 21 year old.

OP posts:
AnotherDayComeMonday · 14/12/2024 03:12

Does Bob have friends and hobbies OP? Is he a usual 21 year old?

Beezknees · 14/12/2024 03:15

Bob should be contributing so YANBU there. There is no such thing as "soulmates" so YABU to use that kind of silly expression.

MyKidsHavePaws · 14/12/2024 03:15

AnotherDayComeMonday · 14/12/2024 03:12

Does Bob have friends and hobbies OP? Is he a usual 21 year old?

He games a lot with friends. But will only actually make the effort to see them once every 4-6 weeks. He spends most of the day in his room.

OP posts:
MyKidsHavePaws · 14/12/2024 03:18

Beezknees · 14/12/2024 03:15

Bob should be contributing so YANBU there. There is no such thing as "soulmates" so YABU to use that kind of silly expression.

That’s the romantic in me!

OP posts:
CalicoPusscat · 14/12/2024 03:20

Right, so no guesses as to why he had issues with his mother.

This seems to have been shoved over to you. I think both of you need to talk to him about food, not moving your stuff etc and his plans for his own place. It will be difficult if your DP isn't on board.

Beezknees · 14/12/2024 03:20

MyKidsHavePaws · 14/12/2024 03:18

That’s the romantic in me!

It's language my 16 year old would use, not a grown adult! And I'd tell my 16yo he was being ridiculous as well.

BecuaseIWantItThatWay · 14/12/2024 03:25

No one is unreasonable for wanting to feel respected, however your post is quite contradictory - cooking extra for him, but being annoyed he then ate two sausages & money being tight but you buying 12 bars of chocolate for friends - and for that YABU.

He may be 21 but parental responsibility does not end at adulthood. You partner should absolutely be looking out for his son, whether or not he was responsible for the breakdown of his first marriage is irrelevant. This includes guiding a young man about this future, especially of it seems uncertain. Also, if you need more money for the household, your partner should address this with his son or pick up extra work like you have done. That or scale back your wedding plans.

It really comes across that you consider your partner to be perfect but, by contrast and judging from the derogatory language which you use, his son is a major inconvenience who you would rather not have around (saying he brings no personality to the table is a low blow). Given that people pretty naturally pick up on these vibes I actually think you're getting a good deal from this young man.

Yes, YABU and your thread title may be accurate.

GildedRage · 14/12/2024 03:29

21yr old males are hungry hungry creatures.
12 chocolate bars over x many days is control :).

TammyJones · 14/12/2024 03:29

CalicoPusscat · 14/12/2024 03:20

Right, so no guesses as to why he had issues with his mother.

This seems to have been shoved over to you. I think both of you need to talk to him about food, not moving your stuff etc and his plans for his own place. It will be difficult if your DP isn't on board.

You should set boundaries from the start.
When my adult step son moved in , he toed the line.
Moving wet laundry?
Eating your food?
Eating treats?
Bob would get a new strip torn
Are you actually confronting him?
And he'd be sent back to his mum.
He's rude and disrespectful and no man / relationship is worth it, if your partner / bobs dad hasn't got your back on this.
He'd be out the door too.
Then he can knock himself out supporting this over grown , spoilt man child.

MissMoan · 14/12/2024 03:29

Bob needs to go.

TammyJones · 14/12/2024 03:32

And drop the second job if it's effecting your health.

blippityblop5 · 14/12/2024 03:34

Beezknees · 14/12/2024 03:15

Bob should be contributing so YANBU there. There is no such thing as "soulmates" so YABU to use that kind of silly expression.

What a way to be a unhelpful. Your opinion on her use of the word 'soulmate' is irrelevant.

femfemlicious · 14/12/2024 03:38

If I were you I would forget about planning a wedding until this is sorted

AnotherDayComeMonday · 14/12/2024 03:39

MyKidsHavePaws · 14/12/2024 03:15

He games a lot with friends. But will only actually make the effort to see them once every 4-6 weeks. He spends most of the day in his room.

Seems to be a lot of men the same, gaming and online pals. He has to work full time or else you'll have a full time problem on your hands. Is there a reason he can't work full time, sorry if I missed if you said in the OP. Your DH needs to cop on, cleaning a 21 year old bathroom is ridiculous!

BananaSpanner · 14/12/2024 03:44

BecuaseIWantItThatWay · 14/12/2024 03:25

No one is unreasonable for wanting to feel respected, however your post is quite contradictory - cooking extra for him, but being annoyed he then ate two sausages & money being tight but you buying 12 bars of chocolate for friends - and for that YABU.

He may be 21 but parental responsibility does not end at adulthood. You partner should absolutely be looking out for his son, whether or not he was responsible for the breakdown of his first marriage is irrelevant. This includes guiding a young man about this future, especially of it seems uncertain. Also, if you need more money for the household, your partner should address this with his son or pick up extra work like you have done. That or scale back your wedding plans.

It really comes across that you consider your partner to be perfect but, by contrast and judging from the derogatory language which you use, his son is a major inconvenience who you would rather not have around (saying he brings no personality to the table is a low blow). Given that people pretty naturally pick up on these vibes I actually think you're getting a good deal from this young man.

Yes, YABU and your thread title may be accurate.

What a load of rubbish. He’s 21 not 12. He’s lazy and rude. His life is not going to improve unless he takes some responsibility to improve it. He has no reason to reduce his hours at work. He should be attending all his a -level classes and should do more household chores as an adult living in the house.

His father is allowing it and whilst at the moment it’s a minor annoyance, it really has the potential to drive a wedge between you when nothing has changed in another 5 years.

OP- honestly you need to consider whether you are happy for this to be your life long term as that is a real possibility. If you wouldn’t be happy then postpone the wedding. You partner sounds weak- cleaning his adult sons bathroom??

Also what are you doing making yourself ill to pay for a wedding? That is madness.

CalicoPusscat · 14/12/2024 03:49

femfemlicious · 14/12/2024 03:38

If I were you I would forget about planning a wedding until this is sorted

Yep, definitely agree. Drop the second job @MyKidsHavePaws.

It doesn't matter if the wedding is delayed.

BananaSpanner · 14/12/2024 03:50

Also OP, I was wondering what were the circumstances that led to your partner moving in with you after
2 months. You say you’ve bought a house together, please say that he is an equal contributor.
Your user name makes references to kids, do they live with you also?

LadyMinerva · 14/12/2024 03:57

Clearly your OH doesn't respect you so why would his child? I would start there. Lay down the ground rules to them both.

alittlebitonthego · 14/12/2024 04:03

BananaSpanner · 14/12/2024 03:50

Also OP, I was wondering what were the circumstances that led to your partner moving in with you after
2 months. You say you’ve bought a house together, please say that he is an equal contributor.
Your user name makes references to kids, do they live with you also?

I think they might be the furry kind.

BananaSpanner · 14/12/2024 04:04

alittlebitonthego · 14/12/2024 04:03

I think they might be the furry kind.

The clue was there! I should go back to sleep, bloody insomnia 😂

CalicoPusscat · 14/12/2024 04:05

🤣

tolerable · 14/12/2024 04:06

BOB isnt the problem
not saying he doesnt have any-or present plenty. Might not like this but yur 2mths in-soul mate -future husband is not just permiting this- he DOES NOT have dad guilt!!!! he has not stepping up to the title ripping right out him...cleaning bobs bathroom!! ffs -thts nt dad guilt thats absolute non negotiable failing to PARENT his 21yr old son. neglecting you-disrespecting you
regardless of all thats went on in their lives pre you. YOUR PARTNER is the absolute start n stop re all things bob. so fraid hes letting you both down.

YellowAsteroid · 14/12/2024 04:17

As others have said, your partner needs to parent. And £100 per month is risible. He needs to contribute a near-to market rent. “Bob” sounds like a bit of a thoughtless black hole of selfishness.

But you’re nowhere near a wicked stepmother !

HoppingPavlova · 14/12/2024 04:29

That’s why people don’t move in together after 2 months. All of the dynamics need to be carefully assessed over a considerable period so stuff like this doesn’t bite you on the arse.

Your DH needs to sort it out with Bob.
I do disagree with the poster saying charge near market rent though. I have adult kids living with me. They are well aware of the costs for things and how to budget but are living here to get deposits large enough to make affordable loan repayments in an extremely expensive city (if they moved somewhere more affordable, there are no jobs in the particular industries they are in or low level opportunities where they will be lucky to ever earn more than they do now as young adults). Charging market rent would be counterintuitive to the reason we are happy to have them here. With the housing market the way it is kids definitely need a leg up, and the most sensible way is if they can live rent free as long as they are saving that towards deposits and living modestly in fiscal terms otherwise, and helping around the home.

CuriousGeorge80 · 14/12/2024 04:29

"hey DF, since Bob dropped his hours he's started eating our food, so I'm going to need you o increase your contribution by £x per month to cover the extra cost. Thanks!"

He either says yes, in which case main issue you seem to have is dealt with. Or he says no, in which case you have a much bigger issue and should not be getting married.