'AITA For Favoring My Stepson?'

In this situation, a woman seeks judgment on whether she’s wrong for favoring her stepson over her stepdaughter and step-nonbinary child during gift-giving occasions. She married into a family where her husband had three teenage children, and she initially didn’t intend to take on a motherly role. Over the years, she has developed closer bonds with her stepson Tom, sharing common interests and a comfortable rapport. Her relationship with her stepdaughter Jane is also positive but less close, while her step-nonbinary child Andi has been more distant and has different political views that the woman finds challenging.

During Christmas, she gave Tom an antique vase he had admired, Jane received a requested kitchen appliance, and Andi got a $20 gift card to a local store. Andi seemed visibly disappointed with the gift, which led to the husband confronting his wife about favoritism, suggesting Andi might feel disliked. The woman acknowledges having a favorite among the children and recognizes that sometimes this preference shows.

In reflection, she clarifies that her favoritism is based on shared interests and closeness rather than gender bias. She explains her difficulty in connecting with Andi due to their distant attitude and challenging political views. Despite trying to build a relationship, she feels Andi has consistently pushed her away.

Seeking feedback, she accepts the criticism that her gift-giving might have been inequitable and vows to consider this in the future. She maintains that she’s not attempting to be a mother figure but rather a friend to the children, though she acknowledges her preference for Tom is evident at times.

In conclusion, while she recognizes her favoritism and its impact, she seeks validation for her stance that as a stepmother rather than a biological parent, her relationships with the children naturally vary, influenced by mutual interests and interactions.

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