I had two step-parents.
My step-father was an amazing man and I'm thankful for the relationship we formed and the experiences we had and what he taught me to this day.
My step-mother on the other hand, was a terrible step-parent. She made it quite clear early on that she wanted nothing to do with me and when I visited the home she and my father shared, she hid out in her bedroom for almost the entire time.
Judy and Charlie
Dear Uncle,
Thank you for an interesting question.
I had three step mothers. One was very, very good to me. She had no agenda and accepted and treated me as a friend with respect. And when Dad divorced her for another woman, I told him he was making a BIG MISTAKE...oh, and he was! That last step mother would drive the devil out of hell.
I think it is hard to be a step parent and so it should be approached as an opportunity for friendship and mentoring a step child. When you marry someone with children, those tiny human beings come with your spouse and you need to accept and support them....or just don't get married.