Reason #1 I think I might need a therapist: Being a step-mom is hard work. Being a parent is hard work. I don’t think anyone would ever argue those two points, but…if you haven’t been a step-parent, please don’t judge us. Please don’t make assumptions that we “get off easy” because they aren’t biologically our children. Blood is only blood, right? The relationship makes the rest. I feel like I’ve established and built a great relationship with my step-sons. I do view them as though they were my own, as in I love them as though they were my biological children. When something is wrong with them (physically), I don’t get to be there for them. When there’s something at school, I’m not the first person contacted. I respect both my husband and the boys’ mother and their roles as their “biological parents”. But, sometimes…I want to be heard, I want my feelings to be considered. It’s so hard!! I would put myself in front of a semi if it meant the boys were safe and happy! But, I don’t get my name on the emergency call list at school! It’s just hard. I don’t know what I expected when I took on this role, but I just want to say that IT’S HARD!
Reason #2 I think I might need a therapist: I still struggle daily with my body-image problems. I’ve battled anorexia now for about 13 years. While I haven’t had it acutely the last 5 years or so, it’s something that I still think about every day. I think about every bite of food that goes in my mouth (regardless how much I like it or how good that brownie tasted). How many calories does it have in it? I think about how many minutes of exercise I’m going to need to do to burn it off. I think about how much fat is in it and I also criticize every outfit I put on. Does it make me look fat?Is it too tight?
Reason #3 I think I might need a therapist: I work in a world of all men now! I’m surrounded by men at home. I don’t have a lot of close girlfriend to vent to, bounce womanly things off of. Conversations that may go something like this, “Did you see her post on Facebook? I can’t believe she said that!” “The other day I just broke down crying and I don’t know why” “The other day this guy said the stupidest thing”. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about!
Somehow I have a feeling I’m not the only woman in the world to think these things, but some days I just wonder if I really do need a therapist. I also know that I will figure things out and I will work through them…that’s all part of Learning As I Go!
You are not the only one.. I was JUST writing up a post about this same thing kind of… I feel like I’m the only crazy lady out there. 😛
Most definitely not! I think it must be a woman thing! Geesh! Glad to know I’m in good company!!
You both are not alone. Even though I do not have the stresses and all that comes with being a step mom I know that the emotional side of things is always something to keep in check. And as hormones (in my case) zing back and forth I find myself struggling. You can ALWAYS call me anytime, Katy. I am a good listener. Seriously. I mean it. You have a lot going on. Keep smiling.
Thank you dear friend! That means a lot!
Thanks for sharing, I do believe many women can relate. You are not alone- we all have our moments!
And a lot of people don’t want to talk about it! It seems to be frowned upon to admit that we struggle sometimes!
You are not alone! 🙂 Although I can’t relate to being a step-mom, sometimes I just think being a woman that worries about everything and everyone can be draining. HUGS!
Thank you for your sweet words! And, I agree whole heartedly about being a woman is just draining sometimes! We’re expected to hold everything together all the time! 😉