Living with a stepmother is something you could never imagine to be as challenging as it is. Every day, I am reminded of how complex and difficult it can be to share a home with someone who is not my biological parent. Even though she is ten years older than me, her youthful appearance makes it hard for anyone to believe there’s such a significant age difference between us. Despite her seemingly ageless look, the reality of our relationship is far from simple. I have tried repeatedly to create some emotional and physical distance between us, hoping that a little space might make our coexistence more bearable. However, it feels as if every effort I make to pull away only brings us closer together instead. Instead of finding the relief I desperately seek, the situation seems to push me right into the thick of our complicated dynamic. This constant push and pull not only intensifies the challenges of our daily interactions but also deepens the emotional toll of trying to live under the same roof with her.