I am so lonely

[Whilewildeisonmine]

The DSCs have gone back to their mum today after a week with us. They are coming back for another fortnight the week after next. I'm already dreading their return.

When they're here I am alone. They barely acknowledge me. I try to make an effort and be chatty and friendly with them but rarely get much communication back. It was so much better 2 years ago, I don't know how the situation has become so tense.

I feel like a stranger in my own home, in fact it's not my home when they're here. They take over the sitting room and I retreat to the dining room. DP of course wants to spend as much time with them as possible so I don't really see him much. I can handle the regular contact during the weeks when they're here and EOW but this week has felt so long. I'm on maternity leave at the moment, last year I suppose I didn't feel this way as I had work to focus on.

I'm aware this is making me sound like a spoilt child. I am just so tired. I feel utterly defeated. I don't know what to do. DP has just suggested we all go to my parents farm so he can go camping with them during the two weeks that they're here. I don't know what I feel so angry?! It's completely unreasonable of me.

I'm really struggling at the moment. This has been building over such a long time. I tried to talk to DP about how isolated their visits make me feel but he doesn't want to hear it. He's not talking to me now. I don't know what advice I'm looking for, just needed to vent I suppose.

[Tappergirl]

I feel your pain. I feel like this all the time as they live with us. How old are they?

[thebluehen]

Are they teenagers? They can be very difficult to get on with , step or not.

I'm sure your partner doesn't mean to exclude you but he really needs to start making you feel part of things so that you can function as a family.

[yoyo27]

I agree with previous posters. At the same time, maybe they just don't realise? Have you tried putting yourself forward and making more effort? I am sure your feelings would change if you did x

[CountryGal13]

I can totally sympathise with you op. My step teens couldn't care less if I took a running jumper off a cliff and I can't imagine that things will ever get better. It's so wrong of your partner to dismiss your feelings like that! You are part of that family whether the sc like it or not. I really hope you get some good advice and that things improve for you soon Xx