When this stepmom feels guilty about her relationship with her stepkids, she asks Reddit:
My husband is significantly older than me ( +10 years). When we married 10 years ago he had three teenage children (Tom-16m, Jane-15f, and Andi-13NB).
The children's mother had died when Andi was born and I made it clear I was not interested in being a mother figure to them (I was only 25 myself). But over time we have each formed our own relationship.
Very early on it was clear Tom and I just got along well. We both like antiques, shopping, and dirty jokes. I was the first person he came out to at 19. I adore his partner (who I hope will be his husband if I am being honest). We are close.
Jane and I have a good relationship, but not as close as Tom and I. She and I probably have a middle child understanding with each other.