Sometimes I think I've lost my mind and get upset about the stupidest things involving my FDH and the BM. I get in this agitated state and wonder even during my anger if I am being contrary and hypocritical.

BM talked to SO tonight about SS12's basketball this weekend. During conversation it was also brought up that she needs new med insurance info for kids which just changed at SO's company on Jan 1st. He says, sure, he will scan docs and email them tonight. BM then tells him she needs them before x time because she's not feeling well due to thyroid meds (oh? The ones you need now to live on since you had to have whole thyroid removed yet you still think it's a good idea to drink like a fish on? Those meds?) and wants to go to bed early.

As StepKat posted earlier on a different topic, this is not a question meant as a judgement but more as a curious observation.

How many of you posters (male AND female) would say that your problems/issues/stresses stem just as much if not more so from your current relationship with your SO/DH/DW/BF/GF etc than really with the SKids?

Not that the SKs may not be a pain in the butt but it's more the dealing with your mate that causes the tension over the kids (step or bio.

I'm curious how other SM's handle their SK's living in their house (meaning a home you owned before BF/SO/DH moved in with you) and what areas/locations/drawers/shelves/cabinets/rooms, etc. that you feel is necessary to allot to the SK's when they come every other weekend and the occasional week.