If you're going through a similar experience, I want to reassure you that it's possible to build a positive relationship with your stepmom. It takes time, effort, and patience, but the outcome can be incredibly rewarding.
The first few times you are left alone together, the silence can feel deafening. It is natural to feel like a stranger in your own home. The key to navigating this is removing the pressure of "meaningful conversation." alone with my new stepmom updated