I (33F) feel unappreciated by my boyfriend (33M) when it comes to holidays and household respect
I (33F) have been with my boyfriend (33M) for a while now and we both have kids. Mine are (17F) and (14M), and his are (15F), (11M), and (7M).
I’m starting to feel really unappreciated and honestly a little resentful, and I don’t know if I’m overreacting or if this is something that needs to be addressed more seriously.
When it comes to holidays, I go out of my way to make sure his kids feel included and special. I make them baskets, get them presents, and even do things like cakes or little celebrations. But he doesn’t do the same for me or my kids. Not even something small. It’s starting to hurt, especially because I put in the effort.
On top of that, there’s an ongoing issue in the house where his kids will eat my food or drink my drinks and then not own up to it. It keeps happening and it’s getting really frustrating. It feels disrespectful, and I’m the one left dealing with it.
I don’t want to create tension or come off like I’m attacking his kids, but I’m starting to feel taken advantage of and like the effort isn’t mutual at all.
How would you approach this? Am I expecting too much, or are these reasonable things to be upset about?