Things can become uncomfortable quickly when the relationship between parents in a blended family isn’t good.
Recently, a reader named Stella reached out to us about her discomfort. She’s never gotten along with her husband’s ex, and now, she’s in a tough spot because she’s not invited to her stepson’s birthday party. She’s seeking advice on what to do.
Here is Stella’s letter:
“My stepson has turned 7, and his mom is organizing a huge party at her place with 25 guests. Naturally, my husband was invited, but he was firmly told to attend alone and not to bring me with him.
My husband’s ex-wife hates me, even though I take great care of her son. We’ve never gotten along. She talks behind my back and is rude, so I try to ignore her as much as I can.
So, I said to my husband that he cannot go. I told him, “You’d be insulting me in front of our friends if you go without me.”
He turned to me and declared, “You should have thought of being more polite towards my ex. You can’t ignore her and then expect to be welcome in her house.”
He added, “My ex-wife and I will always have a special bond because we share a son together.”
I still don’t want my husband to go to this party. We can do a smaller one at our place, but he insists he’s going. Am I asking for too much?
Yours,
Stella
