Dear Annie:

My dad remarried three years ago, and I’ve tried to get along with his wife, “Carla,” but it’s been rocky from the start. She’s polite but cold. At family gatherings, she’ll speak to everyone except me, unless I speak first. She never remembers things I’ve told her — my job, my boyfriend’s name — and she has managed to leave me out of multiple group texts or plans unless my dad adds me in.

I’ve brought it up to my dad, but he says I’m reading too much into things and that “Carla’s just not a warm person.” Maybe that’s true, but I feel like she barely tolerates me. It’s exhausting to keep pretending we’re all fine when I feel like an outsider in my own family.

I’m not looking for a close bond with her. I just want basic respect and for my dad to be happy. Is that asking too m

See Full Page