My Family, My Friends and Me...

Questions & Answers

MY PARENTS GOT DIVORCED when I was twelve years old. Now I am in my early twenties, and very used to dividing my time between my parents. But I don't get along too well with my mother. She and I keep fighting. But I still prefer living with my mother because I understand how difficult life has been for her. My father and I share a good relationship. Recently, when I went to meet him, he introduced me to his girlfriend. She is in her thirties but still is too young for my father. He says he is in love and wants to marry her. I don't know how to react to this. I am having trouble accepting their relationship and I can never see his new girlfriend as my step-mother. Moreover, I feel like I will be betraying my mother. What should I do?

Your situation is undoubtedly very complex and emotionally challenging and it's completely normal to have mixed feelings about your father's new relationship. It is important you understand your own feelings; write down everything you are struggling with emotionally so you have clarity on where you stand. See, despite the challenges in your relationship with your mother, it is understandable why you feel a certain sense of loyalty to her. You do not need to accept your father's girlfriend right away; you are very justified in your hesitation. Take your time to understand how you really feel about the situation.