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Man Shows His True Colors By Ditching His Fiancée And His Son, She Reconsiders The Wedding
Man looking frustrated while fiancu00e9e sits upset in background, reflecting on stepparenting and parenting duties.

Man Shows His True Colors By Ditching His Fiancée And His Son, She Reconsiders The Wedding

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Every stepparent has a learning curve at the start of their relationship, wherein they slowly have to adjust to their loved one’s children. It might be tough to take on a new role and manage expectations, but the support of one’s partner can make all the difference.

Unfortunately for one woman, she soon realized that her fiancé was okay saddling her with all of the parenting duties while he did nothing. Although she enjoyed caring for his son on her own for a while, she wondered if every day would soon turn into that.

More info: Mumsnet

RELATED:

    Parents and stepparents need to be a team and work together to look after their children, instead of one person having to take on all the responsibilities

    Man with a frustrated expression sitting apart from his partner, illustrating ungrateful husband and lack of parenting support.

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    The poster explained that she’s going to get married to her fiancé soon and that even though they have no children together, she enjoys spending time with his kid

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    One day, out of the blue, the poster’s fiancé told her to babysit his son while he went to check out a business premises, so she entertained the kid for hours

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    When the man returned, he immediately went for a shower, demanded food, watched television, and scrolled on his phone without acknowledging his kid or partner

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    Although the woman didn’t mind looking after her stepson, she felt that her fiancé should at least thank her for stepping in and helping him with childcare

    The poster and her partner had been in a long-term relationship and were set to get married soon, meaning that they knew one another well and were integrated into each other’s lives. The OP also got on nicely with her fiancé’s 4-year-old son and spent a lot of time with the little boy whenever she got a chance.

    The only problem she faced was when one day her partner told her to babysit his kid while he went to check out a potential work premises. She agreed to do so, but when her fiancé returned, he expected her to continue with the childcare while he just scrolled on his phone and relaxed.

    Although the woman was shocked by her partner’s behavior, many stepmoms say that they are often made to feel like babysitters. Their husbands or boyfriends are quite content to let them take on the burden of parenting, and very soon, that might become the dynamic of the household.

    Initially, it might feel great to know that your partner is trusting you to look after their kids, but experienced stepparents state that this can create an imbalance in the relationship. It’s therefore important for stepmoms and stepdads to speak up and create a set of boundaries early on so that they don’t feel taken advantage of.

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    The poster felt put off by her fiancé’s behavior and couldn’t believe that he didn’t even thank her for looking after his son for so long. Instead, the man behaved rudely with her, demanded she give him food, and kept scrolling on his phone instead of interacting with his kid or partner. 

    Very often, stepparents find themselves in a gray area like this, where they might have to take up extra parenting duties to prove themselves or else risk being shut out. Experts believe that the best thing to do when one reaches this point is to be direct and open with one’s partner and figure things out together. 

    According to folks in blended families, the primary parent needs to take an active role when it comes to parenting and ease the stepparent into those duties. The main parent cannot take a passive role and push their responsibilities onto their partner, like the man in this story seemed to be doing. 

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    That’s why the OP was justified in being concerned about her fiancé’s behavior, and after listening to all the advice from people online, she knew she had to do something about it. Hopefully, she and her fiancé will discuss these responsibilities and figure out how their parenting roles will look in the future.

    What advice do you have for the woman in this story? Do let us know in the comments below.

    Most people felt that the man was taking advantage of his fiancée and that she shouldn’t just do all the childcare for him

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    Alt text: Step-parent sharing experience about ungrateful husband and challenges in parenting, emphasizing setting boundaries for better relationships

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    Comment warning about ungrateful husband and lack of support in parenting, advising to reconsider marriage plans.

    Ungrateful husband ignoring step parenting support, causing strain and lack of communication in blended family dynamics.

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    Beverly Noronha

    Beverly Noronha

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    You can call me Bev! I'm a world-class reader, a quirky writer, and a gardener who paints. If you’re looking for information about tattoos, Bulbasaur, and books, then I'm the NPC you must approach.

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    Beverly Noronha

    Beverly Noronha

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    You can call me Bev! I'm a world-class reader, a quirky writer, and a gardener who paints. If you’re looking for information about tattoos, Bulbasaur, and books, then I'm the NPC you must approach.

    What do you think ?
    *raspberry sound
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find it odd that he left for a couple hours, came back and IMMEDIATELY hopped in the shower. Giving cheating.

    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe, or maybe not. Sometimes, when I'm sick, I have a feeling to get a plus shower, feeling, I'm "washing down" the illness. It never works, but the feeling is there. Or maybe, he is cheating ... but has to be really dumb not showering at his partner's place, before going home. Anyway, I wouldn't marry this man, because he revealed already, who he is. When in the "right" mood a father, when not, he doesn't care. Doesn't really seems good a life with him.

    Load More Replies...
    tw 72
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me, it's less about being thanked for looking after the child - its about: why is he basically ignoring the child?

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And OP, too. He couldn’t be bothered to greet her when he got home, and instead sounded like a petulant child (he was “starving” but didn’t know what he wanted to eat; does he expect her to be a mind reader? Or a stomach reader?) As they’re not married, at this point looking after his child for his is a “favor*, and people like to be thanked for favors. If they were married, it’d be different, but I find myself hoping like help she doesn’t reward his bad behavior by marrying the jerk!

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time for OP to have a good sit-down with the ex-wife and get the brutal truth for why they split. Ask what BF was like as a husband. Did the ex get stuck with ALL the domestic and childcare duties, while he showered and played on his phone? All with no appreciation or even acknowledgement for it, btw. A******s generally stay true to type.

    sweet emotion
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this is a first occurrence of ignorant behavior, then a first step would be a long conversation once both parties are calm and rested. If this is (or becomes) a pattern, the wedding should be postponed until pre-marital counseling is completed.

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the surface, it seems he's just retreating into his shell because of stress-related illness. He doesn't have anything left over for others. Not good as a parent, but it can happen to the best of us.

    arthbach
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AA2, yes. Was this a single event, or is this how he normally acts? If this is his normal, then it sounds like he's looking for a 'nanny with benefits'. If he's normally a good, loving father and partner, then chances are he was being a bit of jerk because he was ill.

    Load More Replies...
    J R
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP needs to run. This is probably why he's divorced. He doesn't want a partner; he wants a live-in nanny and chef.

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this is a one time thing where the dad is sick (or getting sick) and therefore grumpy and not himself it's not worth thinking too much about. If this is part of a pattern of behaviour then it's concerning.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't understand why she would even be with him. He sounds worthless and self centered. What does he actually bring to the table here?

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think parents should look after their children. This means that the father is primarily responsible for his kids. His fiancee can of course help if she wants to, but since she has no authority whatsoever, she should make clear where her boundaries lie when it comes to caring for his kids. In this case, the poor fiancee seems to be there only as a care-giver to her fiance's kids, not as an equal partner to him. I would run for the hills frankly.

    JayWantsACat
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "DP is a good dad", proceeds give evidence that this is not th ecase. Why do they always do this? "Partner is perfect in every way...except this gigantic red flag".

    azubi
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This could have been one bad day. We're not ourselves when we're becoming ill.

    RAM31280
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NTA, and this behaviour of expectations will continue and probably escalate especially once they are married.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well now ,this is him showing you WHY him n his kids mum split up 🤷‍♀️!! I’ve been a step parent three times , n I took on one of the kids twice , n became mum to them basically , being a step parent can be like this IF YOU ALLOW IT TO BE !, mostly no it’s not at all , have a word with the ex , see if he was like this with her ,

    bElLa sTairZz
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ignoring the kid after he came back from only looking at a potential place to set up a business, im glad the step mum was there at least but this looks like a terrible situation for everyone around the father

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pay attention, OP. This will be your life if you marry that man.

    Southie
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He said he wasn't feeling well......cut him some slack. Everyone on here immediately jumps to leave him....good grief.

    *raspberry sound
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find it odd that he left for a couple hours, came back and IMMEDIATELY hopped in the shower. Giving cheating.

    Petra Peitsch
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe, or maybe not. Sometimes, when I'm sick, I have a feeling to get a plus shower, feeling, I'm "washing down" the illness. It never works, but the feeling is there. Or maybe, he is cheating ... but has to be really dumb not showering at his partner's place, before going home. Anyway, I wouldn't marry this man, because he revealed already, who he is. When in the "right" mood a father, when not, he doesn't care. Doesn't really seems good a life with him.

    Load More Replies...
    tw 72
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me, it's less about being thanked for looking after the child - its about: why is he basically ignoring the child?

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And OP, too. He couldn’t be bothered to greet her when he got home, and instead sounded like a petulant child (he was “starving” but didn’t know what he wanted to eat; does he expect her to be a mind reader? Or a stomach reader?) As they’re not married, at this point looking after his child for his is a “favor*, and people like to be thanked for favors. If they were married, it’d be different, but I find myself hoping like help she doesn’t reward his bad behavior by marrying the jerk!

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time for OP to have a good sit-down with the ex-wife and get the brutal truth for why they split. Ask what BF was like as a husband. Did the ex get stuck with ALL the domestic and childcare duties, while he showered and played on his phone? All with no appreciation or even acknowledgement for it, btw. A******s generally stay true to type.

    sweet emotion
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this is a first occurrence of ignorant behavior, then a first step would be a long conversation once both parties are calm and rested. If this is (or becomes) a pattern, the wedding should be postponed until pre-marital counseling is completed.

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the surface, it seems he's just retreating into his shell because of stress-related illness. He doesn't have anything left over for others. Not good as a parent, but it can happen to the best of us.

    arthbach
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AA2, yes. Was this a single event, or is this how he normally acts? If this is his normal, then it sounds like he's looking for a 'nanny with benefits'. If he's normally a good, loving father and partner, then chances are he was being a bit of jerk because he was ill.

    Load More Replies...
    J R
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP needs to run. This is probably why he's divorced. He doesn't want a partner; he wants a live-in nanny and chef.

    K Barnes
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this is a one time thing where the dad is sick (or getting sick) and therefore grumpy and not himself it's not worth thinking too much about. If this is part of a pattern of behaviour then it's concerning.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't understand why she would even be with him. He sounds worthless and self centered. What does he actually bring to the table here?

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think parents should look after their children. This means that the father is primarily responsible for his kids. His fiancee can of course help if she wants to, but since she has no authority whatsoever, she should make clear where her boundaries lie when it comes to caring for his kids. In this case, the poor fiancee seems to be there only as a care-giver to her fiance's kids, not as an equal partner to him. I would run for the hills frankly.

    JayWantsACat
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "DP is a good dad", proceeds give evidence that this is not th ecase. Why do they always do this? "Partner is perfect in every way...except this gigantic red flag".

    azubi
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This could have been one bad day. We're not ourselves when we're becoming ill.

    RAM31280
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NTA, and this behaviour of expectations will continue and probably escalate especially once they are married.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well now ,this is him showing you WHY him n his kids mum split up 🤷‍♀️!! I’ve been a step parent three times , n I took on one of the kids twice , n became mum to them basically , being a step parent can be like this IF YOU ALLOW IT TO BE !, mostly no it’s not at all , have a word with the ex , see if he was like this with her ,

    bElLa sTairZz
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ignoring the kid after he came back from only looking at a potential place to set up a business, im glad the step mum was there at least but this looks like a terrible situation for everyone around the father

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pay attention, OP. This will be your life if you marry that man.

    Southie
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He said he wasn't feeling well......cut him some slack. Everyone on here immediately jumps to leave him....good grief.

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