Former member returning to Steptalk after a 3 year hiatus. I'm so glad Steptalk is still around 'cause I need to VENT DH and I will be married 5 years this summer, together for 8 years. My stepkids are SS13 and SD11, they are the world's greatest kids! DH and I have a great relationship (now) -- he used to be all enmeshed with BM but that is over and done, thank goodness. One of the reasons why I felt I could break from stepventing. My current frustrations stem from three sources (1) constantly refraining from engagement with the ex over kid issues even when it creates issues for me, in order to keep the peace. It's worth it for the kids (who are super well adjusted and happy) but that kind of stuffing down is enough to make a person nuts!! (2) bearing the slings and arrows of the bigotry exhibited toward stepmoms by third parties in the community, despite being a kicka** stepmom who is very respectful of BM; and (3) my failed efforts to have my own children with DH - two IVF attempts, one miscarriage and now I am 40 years old More specifics to come but heck I am glad to be connected to stepmoms again!