To my dad's new girlfriend,

First off, welcome to the family.

I know it must not be easy to walk into a new family, especially one that just dealt with a divorce. To top that off, he has kids. Lucky for you that we're both in our twenties so we understand what is happening and there won't be that awkward talk.

Getting to know two grown adults that are your boyfriend's kids is never easy, mainly because we can see who you really are, unlike tiny humans that will love you once you give them a piece of candy. You're the first woman that he has dated since the divorce, so that doesn't help because that means this is a whole new adventure for all of us.

I will admit that it was hard for me to get used to the idea of you. My whole life my parents were married so the idea of him having a girlfriend has never really sat well with me. It's not you, it's me. I'm now put in the position to get to know this new woman that has showed up right after my parents ended their 26-year long marriage, so trust me, it's not any easier for me.

I see my dad doing new things that he never did when he was married to my mom so I think that I hold that against you, and that isn't right. I see my dad show affection towards you and I hold that against you, and that isn't right. I see how happy you make him, and I hold that against you, and that isn't right.

I find myself holding things against you when they're not your fault. In reality, you're making him a better person! I only wish that it could have been my mom making the change, not his new girlfriend.

I haven't made it easy for you to get to know me, and that isn't fair. People constantly ask me how I like you or how my dad likes you and all I can say is "I don't know." Truly, I don't! I haven't been around to see how you two interact because I'm still hung on the idea that you're just going to be committed to my dad and break up, just like my parents did. So really, I'm protecting myself from another heartbreak.

From this day forward I promise to put a true effort into getting to know the real you. No judgment, no expectations, just you. If my dad can show his true colors to you and trust you, then so can I.

All in all, you're not a bad person. You're walking into a whole new family with a whole new lifestyle, I can't expect you to say all the right things and do everything perfect. You're only human, and you're the human that has brought the smile back to my dad's face. So from the bottom of my heart, I want to welcome you to my family. Trust me, it can get pretty crazy sometimes, so hold onto your socks!

Sincerely,

His Little Girl