Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
Balloonhearts · 15/12/2024 18:23

I can tell you what I wouldn't be doing and that's getting married.

Laurmolonlabe · 15/12/2024 18:30

Suggest to your fiancé that you pay the deposit and first 3 months on an apartment for his 21 year old son, take the keys back (and have the locks changed if he's the type to have had a copy made).
The son clearly will not launch on his own so he needs a push- if your fiancé says he thinks he should stay , then tell him you will have to review the idea of marrying him-as the son was not part of your idea of married life.
You love your OH dearly- but not enough to put up with his son?
You should be honest with your OH about how you feel, but also with yourself- TBH adult children living with you can be a lot more annoying than that.
You should work out what you want-if the OH will go with helping him to launch, fine- but I would guess he won't be. In that case you have to be realistic you can't have OH without the son- do you love your OH enough or not- if not you should look into him buying you out of the family home, and set your sights on someone with no children from earlier relationships.

Mickey79 · 15/12/2024 18:34

Dad should be subsidising Bob, if that’s what he is happy to do. So your partners contribution to the household bills/ food needs to increase. He pays 2/3 ( for him and bob), you pay 1/3. Don’t get married.

Callipygion · 15/12/2024 20:24

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.

He needs to get off the games and get a bleeding job. Change the Wi-Fi password or turn it off. I’d take the bloody modem out with me when I went to work!

NannaKaren · 15/12/2024 20:36

Good heavens - using Soulmates is fitting if that’s what they feel - it’s rude to comment on that !
…and SS needs to be spoken to and rules set about work and money and moving out in the future.
All the best for your future Wedding x

Bernardo1 · 15/12/2024 21:36

Tell him to pay up or move out!

HBiz · 15/12/2024 22:12

Why would he want a full time job and salary if he’s only expected to contribute £100 a month to the house he lives in, can eat all your food and gets to spend all his time gaming with friends? He’s taking you for a ride. I’m sure he’s very effective at guilt tripping his Dad so he doesn’t have to take accountability.

Would suggest saying that his attitude is unacceptable, he’s an adult who is not entitled to lifestyle paid for by you and Daddy, the conditions of living in the house are now as follows. It’s up to him if he wants to shape up or bugger off. Clearly his Mum not wanting to live with him isn’t enough to get him to sort himself out so I think a really clear laying out of his options is necessary

shehasglasses48 · 15/12/2024 22:17

This is having kids. Yes he sounds like a bit of a pain, but they can be. You’ve inherited someone else’s husband so you get someone else’s kids. He’s probably a bit messed up from the break up .

ItsFreedomBabyYeah · 15/12/2024 22:52

Time to boot this man baby back to his actual mother's! He's taking the piss, which you already know. But so is your OH for allowing this to continue for so long! I don't think your new fiance is the Prince you think he is (you said it yourself, you're a romantic).

friendlycat · 15/12/2024 23:12

Balloonhearts · 15/12/2024 18:23

I can tell you what I wouldn't be doing and that's getting married.

Me too. I think you should seriously be discussing your future with your partner as this situation is untenable.

Ukrainebaby23 · 16/12/2024 08:05

Maybe Bob as some ND issues that need addressing. However this isn't your responsibility nor should you be financially out of pocket

If Dad was really a prize he wouldn't let this happen. Don't be swung by infatuation.

Calamitousness · 16/12/2024 08:12

Your problem is your partner. He’s allowing this. He’s responsible for his son. Not you.
why does your ‘partner’ (who tbh is not a partner but a bit of a freeloader) not think that £150 is a ridiculous amount to have after bills to buy shopping. So you’re financing them both. Sod that. Do not marry this man. He either picks up the financial implication of himself and Bob fully or he gets out taking Bob with him. Both of them are using you. Wake up.

Callipygion · 16/12/2024 08:55

shehasglasses48 · 15/12/2024 22:17

This is having kids. Yes he sounds like a bit of a pain, but they can be. You’ve inherited someone else’s husband so you get someone else’s kids. He’s probably a bit messed up from the break up .

But he’s not a kid, he’s a fully grown man!

JustAnotherDadOf2 · 16/12/2024 13:55

Poor Bob, he has just realised that despite being told so throughout his childhood, he isn't that special, and by sitting around and wanting something with all his heart but without putting in the effort, his dreams won't come true. He has no plans for the future, and sees no opportunities on the horizon. He needs a purpose, and sitting around gaming is a diversion from the harsh realities of life. I hope he finds something, or your other half an find him something, or he will go the same way as a lot of young guys in his situation, nowhere...
Good luck with him, talk to your OH, he needs direction.

CrazyGoatLady · 16/12/2024 19:34

shehasglasses48 · 15/12/2024 22:17

This is having kids. Yes he sounds like a bit of a pain, but they can be. You’ve inherited someone else’s husband so you get someone else’s kids. He’s probably a bit messed up from the break up .

At 21, that's going to be wearing thin. If you're still messed up at 21 from your parents divorcing then it's time to be getting some therapy instead of sitting around gaming and not pulling your weight.

Firethehorse · 17/12/2024 07:36

I think you ABU OP for putting up with this situation. The Romantic side of you appears to have overwhelmed your good judgement to the point you are putting up with so much nonsense from father and son.
How dare your partner trot out the worn old period line in an attempt to silence you and your complaints. Deep down you must know a decent caring partner would not have you working two jobs to the detriment of your health and would certainly not just move in his son without a huge discussion and boundaries being set.
Where do you see this going OP? Your partner is already being borderline abusive and his son is settling into a life of gaming, little work and no real household or monetary contributions. Agreed he needs to be saving for a deposit, but he isn’t, he’s reducing his working hours and now relying on your household. He needs help from both his parents to move forwards and this is not happening.
Put the wedding on hold, take off those rose tinted glasses and think very deeply.

Allfur · 17/12/2024 07:40

I would be so sad if that was my son, he needs to stop gaming

Scirocco · 17/12/2024 07:53

Who made the period comment? OH or his son? If it was OH, that shows you what he really thinks of you.

Definitely don't marry this pair into your family - that gives them an even tighter grip on your finances. Given that neither of them seem to have much (well, any) net financial contributing power, they'll just drag you down with them.

Check your financial rights and protections regarding your home, get your ducks in a row, then it's time for a reality check for your partner. Either he and his son shape up or their easy ride comes to an abrupt end. His son, his responsibility, his consequences.

(Not a soulmate, btw. The word you're looking for is parasite.)

HedgehogB · 17/12/2024 16:30

I have been here. Stepkids entered my life and I theirs, 16 years ago. They are now approaching 30 and hugely , hugely improved. So am I ! This is a DH problem. Get him to sit with DSS and draw up a contract together of ‘we’ll do this if you do that’. Prepare beforehand . Print everyone a copy. Refer to it. Get DH to see that everyone will suffer if the family unit falls apart. Now my own son has just turned 20 (I was totally convinced that he’d be different given the influence of my oh so wonderful upbringing) I can see that this behaviour, all of it, is utterly normal from lads this age. They will try to get away with what they are allowed to get away with! Their brains are still not mature and totally self-serving for a few years yet. DH had dad guilt for years until he realised that his job was not to pander to his own insecurity , which is just self indulgence - but to turn out a decent independent adult and that that’s the best contribution he can now make as a father. Have Lots and lots of conversations. Don’t try to discuss with DH or DSS when angry, sleep on it. We got there and are still getting there. Think about it ….you have entered his life without his invitation ….,it’s hard for him. Inside he’s a little boy. Massively praise DSS doing his washing. It helps! Buy him a heated drying rack for his room and his clothes (pick your battles) . Ask him to pay for and cook two evening meals a week. He’ll see what the money goes on, that way. And so on. By the way 12 choc bars lying around are too tempting. He’s clearly hungry - I suggest toast or cereal as a filler. Tell him this. Talk to him! Praise him for the good stuff! Good luck. X

Fabbyfloofloo · 21/12/2024 13:20

CrazyGoatLady · 14/12/2024 20:10

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.

Appreciate your comment. However, as an ND person myself, who also has an ND child - the other side of your coin is exploring all possibilities before making negative judgements, which was the main reason for my comment on original post. I'm not arguing the fact the child could, in fact, just be a lazy sod. I'm encouraging exploration of all aspects first. With respect 🙏 ✌️

Fabbyfloofloo · 21/12/2024 13:27

Plastictrees · 14/12/2024 08:49

This is spot on.

Agreed 👏

New posts on this thread. Refresh page