Stepfather prevents mother-daughter communication
Dear Amy: My mom and stepdad recently invited themselves to visit my husband and me. Since they live several states away, most of our communication is done by email or talking on the phone.
Each call is answered by Mom, who immediately puts the phone on speaker, so he can listen in.
They share a cellphone and email account. He often deletes or responds to my emails addressed to mom with a generic response; often my mother has no knowledge of it.
Their recent visit lasted for nine days. I had high hopes for spending even an hour alone with mom.
Each time my patient husband tried to suggest activities for the guys to do together, my stepdad quickly jumped on board with what we ladies were doing. He wouldn't leave our sides.
They have been together for over 20 years, and his cling-on tendencies and eavesdropping are increasing.
I do not recall having any one-on-one time with mom in over a decade.
I get a lump in my throat realizing that I may never again have time alone with my mother.
Please help me to understand what could be causing his insecure behavior, and how to address it.
-- R
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