Hey everyone, I'm sort of new to this site and I've been on here before reading your stories but I'm new to posting so here goes. DW and I have been together for 13 years (Married for 10) and she has two kids from her previous relationship and we have three kids together (twins 10, 7). At the time SS23 was 9 and former SS (Who would be 21 now) was 6 when I first met her. DW and her ex had a really on and off toxic marriage to say the least. When it finally ended they pretty much hated each other.

*VENTING POST*

I stumbled across this website years ago when I first became a stepparent and my inital thoughts were "what a bunch of bitter people." Oh to be so innocent and care free. Here I am. I miserable, I'm angry - I just want my life back. 

I'm ready to vent for own sanity. I've never felt so insignificant in my life. It feels like I'm just here to manage everyone's life for them. That my value as a human only lies in my ability to financially and mentally support these people. Sometimes I wonder if any of them know anything about me? If they could name one thing I like? 

I feel like I just need people to talk to and feel that this place even though I don't know anybody might be the best outlet for me. I have been married for four years after dating my wife for two years. My stepdaughter was eight when I came into the picture. It was super easy in the beginning. We were more friends than anything but slowly but surely that has changed in the years since we have become a family. It is easy to chalk some of it up to the fact that she's a teenage girl. Part of it can be related to the fact that my wife and I have had some marital struggles.

So, this is the first time I've ever used something like this (forum). I think the reason I'm on here is just to take an opportunity to vent, so sorry if I ramble on. Don't know if anyone will read this, or if anyone will care, but this is my situation. About 3 years ago I met an amazing girl. We have been together for just over a year, having both been in long term relationships prior to getting together. I have no children, but she has two a daughter 9 and son 18. Shes the love of my life!

My SO's daughter, 10, has ADD and a lot of anxiety and it has taken us a full year to wean her off of spending any part of the night needing our comfort. We got her a sound machine for ambient noise and previously we (my SO or I) would have to sit on the floor in her room until she falls asleep, or she would start the night falling next to us on the couch and we'd carry her to bed, etc. We worked really hard on meditation and techniques to help her fall asleep on her own. We got down to a pretty good routine of my s.o.