This thread is intended to appeal to the tireless good humoured step mothers among you - so I apologise in advance if it offends anyone else.
I have been a step mother for 12 years to two boys now 16 and 18. A long a wearing road during which I have had a very difficult relationship with the younger boy and have at some points been on the brink of walking out taking my two young DSs with me - seriously.
The SS in question is devious, manipulative, narcisistic, schadenfreud (sp) and to top it a liar.
But, I have turned a corner, - I have given up caring, have learnt how to detach and to focus on protecting my children from his behaviour.
I am feeling shamelessly pleased with myself for royally catching him out and humiliating him, I didn't think it was possible as he seems to have no shame in what he has done before.
He is a snooper, I know for a fact that he goes into all rooms in our home rummaging around and shamelessly 'borrowing' things particularly from his older brother who seems to think this is the norm. He's also been going through my bedroom so I've taken to locking it when he's in the house. He also picks up my phone and noses through my calls and messages.
So I left a sneaky little trap for him, I sent a text message to myself "(SS name), do grow some principles and keep your fucking nose out of my business"
And would you believe it - he couldn't help but go to his Dad with my phone bleating about how horrible I was and this proves it. DH got it immediately and told him he deserved it as clearly he had indeed been reading my messages, he had no business even touching my phone. SS was indignant but this made DH just launch into a lecture about all of his wrong doings and how appallingly he treats everyone.
He cried, a lot, and went home to tell his Mum who of course was straight on the 'phone to DH - but it was indefensible - and even she had to agree in the end.
It is a small win I know, but it did make me feel better and I shall wear my badge with pride.