IS IT MY FAULT DAD SPLIT UP WITH HIS EX?

Dear Coleen

I’m a 17-year-old girl. My parents are divorced and I live with my dad so that I can attend a sixth-form college near his house.

He was dating someone for two years, but they broke up recently. She made no effort with me, she was constantly moody and I didn’t think she was that nice to my dad.

I tried to get along with her, but just before they split up, I had a big argument with her and we were both screaming at each other. She told me she never stood a chance with my dad because I “hated” her.

Not long after, my dad told me it was over and that they hadn’t been getting on for a while.

I can’t help feeling that I had something to do with it though. I want him to be happy. Any advice?

Coleen says I doubt your dad would split up with a girlfriend of two years if there weren’t some good reasons.

Perhaps things erupted between you and his ex because she knew it was over and felt she didn’t have anything to lose by getting it all off her chest! I think as long as you’re not trying to sabotage every relationship he has, you have nothing to feel bad about.

I think the right woman will connect with you and you’ll work through any issues. And there will be hurdles because step-parent and blended family situations are tricky to negotiate at first.

And remember, whoever your dad ends up dating in future, she won’t replace you in his affections – it’s a very different kind of relationship.