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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:
Psychologymam · 14/12/2024 11:53

Does Bob need assessment and support? Cognitive capacity okay? ASD? Depression? It sounds very frustrating but there’s something underlying it and maybe starting the ball rolling with that will help his day to day functioning?

Joy69 · 14/12/2024 11:55

Bob needs a boot up the bum. My 21 year old pays his Dad £300 ( was £400) per month. He also works his backside off & is always doing overtime. Potentially he could have been like Bob ( and is where the bathroom is concerned) However it is not an option if he stays in the chosen family home. Tough love is needed from his Dad.....oh & a lock on the treat cupboard.

Onelifeonly · 14/12/2024 11:55

His dad needs to sort it out. Why is he working so few hours when he could be working full time? He could either buy and cook all his own food or make a contribution to your bill (£100 a month won't be enough as his contribution). As a household you need to have clear boundaries - maybe it's not clear who the chocolate is for? If he can't control himself, you could have a locked cupboard for such things, though ideally not. As for removing your wet washing- does he need his own drying rack? He can buy one.

No need to be angry or threatening, just say you want to agree house rules and that they must be respected. But you need to run it past your partner first, so you can appear as a united front. Have you talked to him about it?

Onelifeonly · 14/12/2024 12:03

However, our grown up dds live with us, one older and one younger than Bob. Both have jobs and are not in education, but we don't (yet) ask them for a financial contribution. They do have to pay for all their own clothing, travel, entertainment, phones etc. They can eat from the family grocery shop but we don't buy their drinks or any take away food for them. I guess Bob's dad might well feel the same.

House rules though, need to be followed.

snowdropsy · 14/12/2024 12:07

This.
His dad can subsidise him if he wants to.
You should not be out of pocket.

I definitely would not marry OH until Bob is living independently.

LuckySantangelo35 · 14/12/2024 12:11

Bettyboo111 · 14/12/2024 11:49

The default is LTB all of the time. It's so boorish.

@AmethystRuby
@Bettyboo111

yes, I would 🤷 it would be bye bye partner. I can’t abide misogyny.

Lemonadeand · 14/12/2024 12:11

Beezknees · 14/12/2024 03:20

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.

What? I’m late 30s and DH is in his 40s and I would describe us as soul mates! Never clicked with anyone the way I do with him. We just get each other.

I don’t mean it in the sense that there was only one person for me out of the billions on this planet and we found each other, obviously that’s nonsense. I mean it in the sense that we bring out the best in each other, are a great team and there’s no one else I’d want to be living life with.

Howmanycatsistoomany · 14/12/2024 12:13

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.

Been there, done that, OP. This will not get better and will drive a wedge between you and your partner. Your mistake was letting the adult son move in in the first place.
My advice? Put the house on the market and get your own place again. In the meantime, move your airer into your bedroom, only wash your own plates, etc, and only buy your own food (and put a lock on your cupboard). His father can pay for and clean up after the useless ingrate.

edited to say sorry for quoting the OP, didn't mean to

Lemonadeand · 14/12/2024 12:15

Sorry, also to avoid detailing the thread: lots of young adults, particularly young men, need a bit of encouragement leaving the nest so they can fly. If life’s too easy for them at home, why would they bother? Your partner is doing his son a disservice by being too lenient and he’s motivated by his own guilt, not his son’s best interests.

I think the conversation should be: where would you like your son to be in five and ten years time? Would you like him to still be living like this? No? Then how do we help him get there?

Fabbyfloofloo · 14/12/2024 12:15

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.

Is there a possibility that your stepson is undiagnosed neurodivergent? It seems he struggles with interpersonal skills and responsibilities. Also, it sounds like this has been left to you to 'sort'. You and your fiance should be working as a partnership, firstly; communicating respectfully with your stepson

Howmanycatsistoomany · 14/12/2024 12:17

Fabbyfloofloo · 14/12/2024 12:15

Is there a possibility that your stepson is undiagnosed neurodivergent? It seems he struggles with interpersonal skills and responsibilities. Also, it sounds like this has been left to you to 'sort'. You and your fiance should be working as a partnership, firstly; communicating respectfully with your stepson

Or he could just be a lazy twat.

Fabbyfloofloo · 14/12/2024 12:24

Howmanycatsistoomany · 14/12/2024 12:17

Or he could just be a lazy twat.

Lol. True. Although I'm a: let's check off every other reason first before negatively labelling as lazy, type gal 😉

Winesoup · 14/12/2024 12:33

I think you should delay the wedding till this is sorted - everthing seems to have been moving very fast, your DP moved in very quickly, then moved his son in. You are significantly subsidising both of them.

it sounds like your home is now theirs, and if you marry him he will have a legal claim to your home. And think about what marriage will really mean to you, what would happen if you were to divorce, how much would you lose? Why get married at all?

Mumofacertainage · 14/12/2024 12:55

When did it become acceptable for young adults to work a few hours and sponge off their parents?
Not negotiable, full time job and act like an adult around the home or out the door, If Dad objects he can go too.
Stop being a mug what’s the saying’ no one was ever more in love, than a middle aged man needing a home’

CrazyGoatLady · 14/12/2024 20:10

Fabbyfloofloo · 14/12/2024 12:15

Is there a possibility that your stepson is undiagnosed neurodivergent? It seems he struggles with interpersonal skills and responsibilities. Also, it sounds like this has been left to you to 'sort'. You and your fiance should be working as a partnership, firstly; communicating respectfully with your stepson

FGS stop doing this. Every time someone posts about an adult child being lazy they trot out "is he neurodivergent". I'm ND, so is my partner and 2 DC. ND is not shorthand for lazy, inconsiderate and rude. I wish people would stop bloody armchair diagnosing everyone.

And by the way, my ND 14 year old knows not to take other family members' damp washing off the airer and to at least ask before eating other people's food.

Barrenfieldoffucks · 14/12/2024 20:14

He saw you coming.

LondonLawyer · 14/12/2024 20:39

I think you need to have firm rules. He pays £x a month for his share of the bills (£100 is pretty cheap!) and he buys/cooks for himself. If he can use communal supplies of rice / sausages / bread / milk etc, make that clear. Anything such as booze, chocolate, biscuits is not for him to help himself, only if he's actually offered something.
My 19 yr old son has just finished his first term at uni, he'll be home tomorrow for the Christmas break. We don't take any money from him, and he's always welcome to eat general food, pasta, milk, tea, whatever. He wouldn't ever help himself to alcohol or 12 bars of chocolates or whatever without asking. He can quite happily and easily scoff an entire packet of bagels or 4 apples or whatever, young men are bottomless pits for grub, but he'd not start consuming non-general groceries without asking first,.

wheo · 14/12/2024 23:13

Your partner is a piece of shit and allowing his son to disrespect you in your own home. This son is not your problem and your partner should be bending over backwards to make sure you are comfortable as he's the one with this baggage not you. Remind him that you are compromising here by not being with someone who is childfree where all these problems wouldn't exist.

Rosscameasdoody · 14/12/2024 23:16

Mumofacertainage · 14/12/2024 12:55

When did it become acceptable for young adults to work a few hours and sponge off their parents?
Not negotiable, full time job and act like an adult around the home or out the door, If Dad objects he can go too.
Stop being a mug what’s the saying’ no one was ever more in love, than a middle aged man needing a home’

Er - you do realise that OP and her DP jointly own their home ?

Rosscameasdoody · 14/12/2024 23:18

Winesoup · 14/12/2024 12:33

I think you should delay the wedding till this is sorted - everthing seems to have been moving very fast, your DP moved in very quickly, then moved his son in. You are significantly subsidising both of them.

it sounds like your home is now theirs, and if you marry him he will have a legal claim to your home. And think about what marriage will really mean to you, what would happen if you were to divorce, how much would you lose? Why get married at all?

This has been pointed out several times now. OP and her DP jointly own their home.

AmethystRuby · 14/12/2024 23:23

wheo · 14/12/2024 23:13

Your partner is a piece of shit and allowing his son to disrespect you in your own home. This son is not your problem and your partner should be bending over backwards to make sure you are comfortable as he's the one with this baggage not you. Remind him that you are compromising here by not being with someone who is childfree where all these problems wouldn't exist.

wow why the rage. 'baggage' 😑

JingleB · 14/12/2024 23:37

Your boyfriend is a lazy misogynist - he doesn't bother parenting his son nor insisting you are treated with respect in your own home, and when you are angry he blames it on your hormones.

No wonder Bob is such a useless dick, with an role model like that.

Discuss the situation with your boyfriend. Either Bob moves out (6 weeks is a decent bit of notice) or he buys all his own food and drink, cleans up after himself and treats you decently.

Drop the second job and leave the wedding planning for a while. Until your boyfriend can demostrate he respects you and is on your side you certainly shouldn't marry him.

ChocolateAddictAlways · 15/12/2024 17:57

YANBU. Given that he’s 21 he absolutely should be doing more around the house and contributing to the household in some way.

But unless your partner is willing to have serious and maybe uncomfortable discussions with Bob about where his life is going, moving forwards etc then I’m not sure if things will improve.

hcee19 · 15/12/2024 18:18

Bob needs to pack his bags and get out. He is taking advantage of your good nature, why the hell should he go to work when everyone else is supporting him. He is an adult, and needs to act like one. You need to have a proper talk with your partner and lay your cards on the table, that his son needs to get himself sorted out, or you are leaving and want him to buy you out, or put the house up for sale. If you don't do it now resentment will build and build and that's no good for anyone. You are being walked all over and he knows it.....l do not know how you have put up with this aslong as you have.....You matter too, you deserve to be happy, he isn't your problem...Really hope you can sort this, for your sake

Flippingnora100 · 15/12/2024 18:20

Be careful, OP. My dad is in this situation. He has a 26 year old step son who has done nothing since he finished school at 18. He smokes weed all day and is pursuing his “passion for music.” My dad is now 70 and is stuck living with this waster who now has two bedrooms in their home-one for him to sleep and one for their studio. His mum enables her son and basically in their household it’s two against one. My dad has to pretty much put up with it or leave. I would be careful of allowing this dynamic to continue for much longer. The problem is that the longer the son takes the piss for, the more behind his peers he’ll get and that might make it harder for him to actually launch. I think it’s important to make your feelings and boundaries clear to your partner.

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