**Don't ever accuse a stepmom of being pessimistic or negative. Quit telling her to try harder. So often, our anger or bad days come from being let down and disappointed over and over again by waking up and thinking this day will be different. Or, that if we try this or that a little more, it will click. We give people more chances than they deserve to hurt us, use us, and criticize us. And the minute we try to defend our self or show just a bit of emotion outside of sunshine and happy, they blame us. We are the poster child for optimism and hope. When our emotions finally peak, please understand all of the heartaches, disappointments, and let-downs that got us there.**