A stepfather’s raw post about his strained relationship with his teenage stepson, Gerry, sparked heated debate online. Married to Emma for 9 years, he’s raised her son since he was 7, alongside their own 7-year-old. Despite funding Gerry’s needs—clothes, sports, trips—the bond never formed. Gerry’s loyalty lies with his absent biological father, who recently forgot his birthday, leaving him in tears.
Tensions peaked after Gerry, caught sneaking out, lashed out, saying, “You’re not my real dad.” Hurt, the stepfather refused Gerry’s request for plane ticket money to visit his girlfriend. When Gerry asked for summer vacation funds and slammed his door, the stepfather snapped, telling him to ask his “real dad.” Gerry cried, and Emma, usually supportive, called it cruel.
He stands firm, demanding basic respect for his role, not love or friendship. If that’s too much, he’s done covering non-essentials. Reddit split—some backed his boundaries, others criticized his jab. Blended families are tough, and this story shows the messy reality of trying to parent without reciprocation.
