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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:
MyPithyPoster · 14/12/2024 04:41

Do not marry him until this is resolved

Ohthatsabitshit · 14/12/2024 05:12

£100 pm is ridiculous. I’d say it would cost quadruple that to have home there. If there’s only £150 left for food in the joint account you both need to add more to it, not just you.

Petrasings · 14/12/2024 05:15

Bobs father is a useless parent.
Where is the guidance? The parenting? The boundaries? The insistence on good manners like greeting other people in the mornings? The work ethic?

Bob would be packed off back to his mother. The soul mate would probably follow suit. I would not stand for any of this. No way.

LardoBurrows · 14/12/2024 05:27

Petrasings · 14/12/2024 05:15

Bobs father is a useless parent.
Where is the guidance? The parenting? The boundaries? The insistence on good manners like greeting other people in the mornings? The work ethic?

Bob would be packed off back to his mother. The soul mate would probably follow suit. I would not stand for any of this. No way.

Totally agree with this post.

Codlingmoths · 14/12/2024 05:28

Oh, let me state this really fucking clearly. 21yos who eat my food move out. I am working more than my health really allows and paying the costs of it to save for our wedding, and he’s a healthy young man not working or even contributing to his own costs. He had a month to have a job or move out and if he eats my food he has a day to move out.

beetr00 · 14/12/2024 05:28

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.

but that's only 'cos you haven't met yours yet @Beezknees, wishing it for you soon though. 🌻

IdylicDay · 14/12/2024 05:30

Both your 'D'P and his son are cocklodgers. They saw you coming. I honestly believe it was the plan between your partner and his son that he would move in. They just didn't bother to tell you.

I'd tell your partner his son IS leaving. And if has a problem with it, he (cocklodger #1) can leave with him. Give the son a deadline, say end of January. Be firm. I think you should chuck them both out, but at least evict cocklodger #2.

romdowa · 14/12/2024 05:35

There would be no wedding until there is a plan in place for bobs departure. Until his departure either Bob or his dad have to pay his way and I'd be unplugging the WiFi. It's time to get tough op or you'll be still living with Bob when he's 40.

Yellow38 · 14/12/2024 05:39

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.

This!

Rosscameasdoody · 14/12/2024 05:48

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.

So Bob moved in uninvited, is rude, has no respect for either of them, has apparently cut his hours so he can spend more time gaming, shut in his room, and his dad won’t stand up to him and cleans up after him. On top of which he’s only contributing £100 a month and is now mooching because he’s deliberately reduced his income and can’t afford his own food. And you think OP is getting a good deal from him ?

Scarydinosaurs · 14/12/2024 05:51

Your partner should pay for his son.

And a ‘soul mate’ tells you it’s hormonal and blames menstruation for caring that another man in the house eats your food?

What sort of ‘soul mate’ is that? Sounds like a shit one.

GravyBoatWars · 14/12/2024 05:54

I suspect that this is not what you really want to hear, but you have a serious DP and relationship problem. Bob is just a symptom. Your DP is failing his child by allowing him to live with you with no real responsibilities or expectations. He doesn't want to do the uncomfortable work of actually parenting his son or setting boundaries, and he's perfectly willing to sacrifice your happiness and comfort in your own home in the bargain. Is that really what you want in a husband?

As to Bob and the examples you gave... the entire situation is unreasonable and you are justifiably unhappy. When we have so many negative feelings about the wider situation it's easy to be unreasonable about specific incidents. The sausages and chocolate are examples of that IMO. Unless Bob had a reason to know that you were saving those items or there is a rule in place that he won't eat food he hasn't bought or been specifically offered then eating two cold sausages from the fridge and 12 chocolate bars over 4 days is not unreasonable. But when the person in question is constantly showing zero regard for you, has poor boundaries, isn't contributing to the household, and you'd like them not to be there at all, even the reasonable things they do become infused with your negative feelings. If you get focused on those little incidents and make the discussions with your DP about them you're not going to get anywhere - the underlying issue has to be addressed.

DP is going to have to step up to parent his son and show he cares about your feelings and your wishes for your life and home together. Otherwise frankly you shouldn't be progressing this relationship.

And for the love of god please don't have children with this man.

Mumistiredzzzz · 14/12/2024 05:58

Yanbu but you are being a push over. Why do you let bob treat you and your home like this? Why does your OH allow it? Doesnt seen like much of a partner to me to allow this, to the extent you've taken on a second job to your own health detriment.

RosieLeaf · 14/12/2024 06:01

Bob needs to go. They both do, really. Your DP saw you coming.

Guavafish1 · 14/12/2024 06:02

Your OH needs to pay for Bob - increase his £100 to £200

Rosscameasdoody · 14/12/2024 06:05

IdylicDay · 14/12/2024 05:30

Both your 'D'P and his son are cocklodgers. They saw you coming. I honestly believe it was the plan between your partner and his son that he would move in. They just didn't bother to tell you.

I'd tell your partner his son IS leaving. And if has a problem with it, he (cocklodger #1) can leave with him. Give the son a deadline, say end of January. Be firm. I think you should chuck them both out, but at least evict cocklodger #2.

Evicting her DP is a non-starter - they’re joint owners of their home. OP needs to have a proper conversation with DP and lay down some ground rules for DS. Either he shapes up and pulls his weight around the house, gets a proper job and starts contributing, including planning/saving for a deposit for his own place, or he can go back to his mum. He’s taking the piss and her DP needs to stop acting like his best friend and actually be a father to him.

When that’s sorted OP needs to re-evaluate their relationship. DP doesn’t seem too invested in guiding his son - doesn’t bode well for any kids of their own. And l would seriously be thinking twice about marrying a man who:

a) Stands by and idly watches me ruining my health through overwork.
b) Dismisses my concerns by asking when my period is due.

GravyBoatWars · 14/12/2024 06:05

I'm going to ruffle some mumsnet feathers here, but allowing a 21 year old (absent any disabilities) to live in the parents' home indefinitely with almost no responsibilities, no requirements for being a respectful, pleasant person to live with, and no expectations that they are progressing towards independent adult life in a meaningful way is shitty parenting.

Adult independence/freedom and responsibility are supposed to be coupled together - you earn money and put in the effort required to run a home and support yourself and the reward is getting to have your own place, live as you please within your means, choose who you spend time around, etc. This pairing of freedom and responsibility should be introduced gradually through childhood and adolescence until they're ready to go live on their own as a fully functional adult. Not everyone is ready to do that at 18 and it's great for parents who have the ability to continue to provide a scaffolding system to help get their kids there, but that doesn't mean decoupling responsibilty from freedom. A 21 year old should not have all the freedom of an adult but fewer expectations and responsibility around the home than a 12 year old. Most young adults stagnate when this is allowed to happen because there's no incentive to progress in the not so fun parts of being an adult (like working at least a full time job, finishing qualifications, keeping up a house, etc).

Welcoming a young adult child to live home and pay whatever rent they can afford while going to school or getting a jump financially is great if that adult child is expected to actually behave like an adult - adults who can't afford their own place have to behave and contribute in a way that someone (a flatmate, friend or romantic partner) wants to share a home with them. If they're not doing that at 18 or 21 or 24 then they either need to be actively parented until they're there or allowed to go off and do it themselves.

Rosscameasdoody · 14/12/2024 06:09

GravyBoatWars · 14/12/2024 06:05

I'm going to ruffle some mumsnet feathers here, but allowing a 21 year old (absent any disabilities) to live in the parents' home indefinitely with almost no responsibilities, no requirements for being a respectful, pleasant person to live with, and no expectations that they are progressing towards independent adult life in a meaningful way is shitty parenting.

Adult independence/freedom and responsibility are supposed to be coupled together - you earn money and put in the effort required to run a home and support yourself and the reward is getting to have your own place, live as you please within your means, choose who you spend time around, etc. This pairing of freedom and responsibility should be introduced gradually through childhood and adolescence until they're ready to go live on their own as a fully functional adult. Not everyone is ready to do that at 18 and it's great for parents who have the ability to continue to provide a scaffolding system to help get their kids there, but that doesn't mean decoupling responsibilty from freedom. A 21 year old should not have all the freedom of an adult but fewer expectations and responsibility around the home than a 12 year old. Most young adults stagnate when this is allowed to happen because there's no incentive to progress in the not so fun parts of being an adult (like working at least a full time job, finishing qualifications, keeping up a house, etc).

Welcoming a young adult child to live home and pay whatever rent they can afford while going to school or getting a jump financially is great if that adult child is expected to actually behave like an adult - adults who can't afford their own place have to behave and contribute in a way that someone (a flatmate, friend or romantic partner) wants to share a home with them. If they're not doing that at 18 or 21 or 24 then they either need to be actively parented until they're there or allowed to go off and do it themselves.

This

Lavenderfarmcottage · 14/12/2024 06:19

Gaming is addictive and I think you will find this is a good part of his inability to function in the real world.

JustHiker · 14/12/2024 06:22

You lost me at 'soulmates'.

Your infatuation has blinded you to the fact that your partner is a crappy parent.

Rosscameasdoody · 14/12/2024 06:25

Lavenderfarmcottage · 14/12/2024 06:19

Gaming is addictive and I think you will find this is a good part of his inability to function in the real world.

I was thinking the same thing - OP says he spends most of his time shut in his room and barely acknowledges them. By allowing him to reduce his hours and make less of a contribution to the household, she and her DP are well on the way to enabling that addiction.

arcticpandas · 14/12/2024 06:40

Your "soulmate" is taking the piss. He's enabling his son and dismisses your concerns as period-related. He should be paying for his son, not you. And he should lay down the rules for his son: full-time work, decent contribution to household costs, chores to be done etc.

I'm sorry but he is not being a good dad at all by ignoring/enabling his son's behaviour. It's not what a loving, concerned father does.

NiftyKoala · 14/12/2024 06:41

IdylicDay · 14/12/2024 05:30

Both your 'D'P and his son are cocklodgers. They saw you coming. I honestly believe it was the plan between your partner and his son that he would move in. They just didn't bother to tell you.

I'd tell your partner his son IS leaving. And if has a problem with it, he (cocklodger #1) can leave with him. Give the son a deadline, say end of January. Be firm. I think you should chuck them both out, but at least evict cocklodger #2.

Absolutely. Please OP protect yourself financially.

thepariscrimefiles · 14/12/2024 06:47

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.

Please explain how OP is getting a good deal from this young man?.

He sounds lazy and rude.

CrazyGoatLady · 14/12/2024 06:47

Your "soulmate" wouldn't let his son take the piss and when you raise concerns, make it about your period.

Neither of these men respect you.