Do I need a hug or a good talking too (or both)

[Greenwithenvy13]

My adult dsd has been offered the most wonderful work opportunity abroad. It is an opportunity I would have killed for, it is relating to something extremely important to me (but not something I could take part in now, nor was it available when I was her age)

I want to be excited for her but instead I am just filled with so much jealousy I can’t even think about it. Obviously I am attempting to keep this feeling to myself!!

Just to be clear, my dsd is lovely. She totally deserves this and she will be amazing at it.

I just feel horribly middle aged, peri menopausal etc etc and find myself feeling envious of her youth and freedom and this amazing opportunity she has now.

Am I an awful person?! My own daughter is younger and I suspect I would find it easier if it was her for some reason - the curse of the strange, slightly awkward step parenting relationship strikes again!

You need both. This is a dream outcome for you and your stepdaughter - you have loads in common and she's living the dream.

Just a hopeful little bump - can anyone else relate to feeling jealous of a step child like this?

Oh I totally get it..
Not a DSD but my own DD.
We went on a girly holiday for her 18th birthday.
We had an absolute blast. I watched as she had a beautiful holiday romance and was whisked away on a scooter in the evenings. He was besotted and would turn up to the beach on his lunch break to see her.. I watched as she blossomed . I made friends with another couple of ladies so I wasn't on my own.
But.. on my return I realised I'd never ever experience that powerful first love again. The intoxication of watching and waiting for a beautiful young man to drive up and take you for dinner. And a midnight swim. Her beauty and her youth.
(and yes she was absolutely aware that he had probably done this to a girl the week before and as soon as our coach left the resort he probably had another girl eyed up! But she's no fool and enjoyed it whilst it lasted. )
I had been very lucky in my youth to work in the Greek Island and had my share of romance so I think I was totally aware of what she was feeling.
And knowing I'd never feel that again.
I felt so so old . I actually sobbed for an hour. Didn't help that the return journey with delays was 23 hours door to door so I was exhausted too. The next year I crashed into menopause.
We still talk fondly about that holiday. I got over it . But I'll always remember that feeling.

I mean, I might feel jealous if it was my own daughter, I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m guessing. I would most definitely feel jealous if it was anyone else I knew!!

Totally feel very word of your post @Marylou62 xx