Hello all! I have been lurking around ST for what seems like an eternity now. I created a login quite a while ago but never used it, couldn't tell you why. I have an SD4 stb 5 who literally drives me insane (literally I'm on the brink of a psychological meltdown!). I am 22, newly married (Oct 17 09) and have been with DH for the last 2 years. We met in college 3 years ago and shortly after his split from BM began to 'hang out' as friends, which obviously developed into more. BM is tame for the most part, although severely mental. You think I would have gotten into the stepparent-swing by now but it just hasn't caught up with me yet. This child may only be 4stb5 but boy does she have manipulation down pat. We are talking crying, yelling and screaming just to get what she wants. I get to be the evil disciplinarian naturally. DH supports me, but does nothing to enforce his own rules. I love him to death but when it comes to SD, he's a complete push over. I hate to refer to her as a 'brat' but unfortunately that is what she has become thanks to all of the guilt parenting from both sides. I have plenty of stories and rants and raves about this child, and they shall come in time! For now I'm trying to give a rundown, although it may seem very sparatic. My brain is doing somersaults right now as I have had another unresponsive talk with DH regarding his daughter and her ADHD tendencies (I'm trying to get him and BM to get her checked). I'm sure I will write more tomorrow as I am sitting sullenly and half awake at my desk! I just needed a place to vent and after lurking for the past year or more, this feels just like home. I'd like to extend my gratitude to all of you that come here to vent and share, it has helped me through some parts of Stepdom!

**I also want to put in a special note to Sita Tara, I have followed you from the first day I visited this site. You are a strong woman and you will make it through this pain. One man is NOT worth a thousand tears.**