Reisha,

You are not alone. I too get that response at times and my favorite is "you seem to nice to be a stepmom." Yes, someone actually said that to me.

This past summer, I was talking with a group of stepbloggers at a blogging conference and we all shared stories regarding this exact topic.

In addition to some people seeming to be put off by a stepparent, there are also seems to be some hesitation in admitting you are a stepmom. I've had countless talks with people and after sharing that I'm a stepmom and what I do, they will finally say in a whisper "I'm a stepmom too."

I think some of it comes with the false perceptions that our society has cultivated about stepmoms and a lot comes from misunderstanding. 

When I get the brush off I just think of it as their loss and don't give them any more of my energy or thoughts. Remember to never take it personally and to know that the reaction has more to do with the person giving the reaction than it does with you.

Would love to hear from other smoms as to whether they've received the brush off or not.

Hope this helps. Stay Strong and Press On.

xoxo Heather

Oh yes i have had this look..... A LOT... i never know if it is my imagination but other school moms and even teachers seem to avoid eye contact.... i know that the ex spews all the time (infact she never seems to stop talking and acting the victim) so perhaps that is it... i suppose it just surprises me that fewer people are willing to be open minded to the fact that there are two sides to a story and that not all stepmoms are evil.... i am really just another person who loves those kids.... HOW IS THAT SO EVIL....???

Sarah,

Not sure why people give us the look but know you are not alone. There is nothing evil about the love you give those kids. In fact, it is a blessing. I think that if people have had a bad experience with a stepparent, believe the nonsense the media spews or had their marriage impacted by another person they project their feelings onto all stepparents.

I've learned to live in the truth of who I am and what I bring to my family. I can't control what others think and/or assume about me but I can control my contribution to my family. That is my focus. 

Good to have you here! Feel free to post any questions and/or share any comments.

x0x0 Heather