You are NOT alone!
It's important to recognize that while you are a couple you are also two individuals. In a traditional family, if mom or dad don't agree - it often works it's way out and there is a balance in a healthy relationship.
With a stepfamily, dynamics greatly impact both the husband and wife and while they seek to be on the same page often complexities of stepfamily living add a page or rip one out of the playbook and the couple is wise to separate their frustration with the other from their commitment to each other.
If you are going through a difficult season, be intentional to communicate your love and commitment WHILE you are working out your frustration.
In a healthy relationship, a spouse does not fear being abandoned or rejected by the one they offended or frustrated. If you are the spouse who has been hurt and offended, communicate that to your spouse but don't recoil or retaliate. Be intentional to say I love you and I am committed to you but I am frustrated and I need time to process. Look at each other through the eyes of love and grace and remember that your spouse is NOT your enemy.*
You can grow stronger through conflict. Conflict often takes the "cover" off of unresolved wounds or hurts from the past and this is especially true in a remarriage with kids.
Be intentional to remind yourself of the difference between what you are responsible FOR and what you are responsible TO. For instance, you are not responsible for your spouse's emotions you are responsible to be respectful towards your spouse in conflict and in "easy" seasons.
If you have more questions, please reach out to support@learning2step.com. If you are interested in having me (and my spouse Andrew), please reach out. We love equipping others with tools and encouragement to thrive in their marriage.
(*Please note if you are physically not safe or infidelity is involved - seek safety and set boundaries to work on your relationship. Both parties will need counseling to work on themselves individually before working on the marriage.)