Shystoryteller

Posted in r/AmItheAsshole by u/MirrorMirrorOnTheWall

So this is a throwaway account because some people in my kingdom know my main. I (45F) am married to a widower king (52M) and have a stepdaughter Snow (16F).

First off, I want to say I’ve been NOTHING but supportive of this girl since I married her father. I literally spend HOURS every day consulting with my life coach (who happens to be a mirror – very progressive, I know) about personal development and self-improvement. I’ve been trying to share these insights with Snow but she seems completely resistant to growth.

Here’s where I might be the asshole: I’ve been gently suggesting that Snow could benefit from some improvements. Like, I hired a huntsman to take her on nature walks for exercise (she’s been looking a bit pale lately), and I even went out of my way to personally deliver her healthy snacks when she was staying with some friends in the forest. I brought her a beautiful organic apple – literally hand-selected and specially prepared with my own secret ingredient blend for maximum nutrition.

But apparently I’m the “evil stepmother” now???

Let me give you some context about why I’m concerned:

1. Snow literally talks to ANIMALS. Not like, normal pet interactions, but full conversations. I’m worried about her mental health but when I suggested therapy she accused me of “trying to get rid of her.”
2. She does housework for SEVEN GROWN MEN she’s never met before. I found out she’s been living with them and CLEANING THEIR HOUSE. As a feminist, I’m obviously concerned about her falling into these gender role traps so young.
3. She keeps telling people I “tried to kill her” which is honestly so hurtful. I was trying to help her with a breathing exercise (the huntsman thing was a misunderstanding – I said “take her out” meaning OUT for fresh air), and the apple incident was clearly an allergic reaction that I had NO way of knowing about.
4. Everyone keeps saying I’m “jealous” of her looks. Um, EXCUSE ME? I literally asked my life coach mirror who the fairest in the land was and it said ME. I have this confirmed daily. I’m not jealous – I’m just trying to help her reach her potential.

My husband thinks I should “try harder to bond with her” but honestly, I’ve done SO MUCH. I’ve given her space (let her move in with those seven men), I’ve tried to share my beauty secrets, I’ve encouraged her outdoor activities, and I even threw her a surprise party where I invited the ENTIRE KINGDOM. But apparently bringing a glass coffin as a centerpiece was “weird” and “threatening.”

The thing is, my mirror-coach has been telling me lately that Snow might actually be getting prettier than me, which is IMPOSSIBLE because I’ve been doing this premium skincare routine with rare minerals and virgin’s blood for YEARS. It’s probably just the lighting in her forest cottage or something.

But now she’s apparently engaged to some prince (who she MET ONCE, red flag much?) and everyone’s acting like I’M the problem. The prince even had the audacity to suggest I should be “locked away” – um, for WHAT? Caring too much about my stepdaughter’s wellbeing?

I just feel like no matter what I do, I can’t win. I’m out here trying to be the best stepmother possible, sharing my resources, my knowledge, my connections (I know some VERY influential huntsmen), and all I get is hate.

So Reddit, AITA? Should I just give up on trying to help Snow become the best version of herself? Should I stop asking my mirror for daily affirmations? Am I wrong for thinking that maybe, just MAYBE, I deserve a little recognition for all the effort I’ve put in?

EDIT: A lot of people are asking about the “secret ingredient” in the apple. It’s a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. My grandmother always said it would “put people to sleep” in terms of their worries and stress. How was I supposed to know Snow would have such a dramatic reaction?

EDIT 2: Stop DMing me about “poison.” It’s not poison, it’s a HOMEOPATHIC REMEDY. Just because something makes you unconscious doesn’t mean it’s poison. Do your research.

EDIT 3: The seven men have been harassing me in the comments. “Grumpy” called me a “murderous hag” which is honestly so uncalled for. I’m reporting all of you for brigading.

UPDATE: Apparently I’m being “banished” from the kingdom now. This is literally SO unfair. I’m the victim here but apparently no one cares about MY mental health. Whatever. I’ll probably start a lifestyle blog from exile. Maybe write a book about stepmothering. “Mirror, Mirror: Reflections on Modern Parenting” has a nice ring to it.

---

Top comment (🥇 Gold Award): u/SevenDwarfsStrong: YTA and also literally a murderer. We tried to keep Snow safe FROM YOU.

OP Reply: Oh great, the roommate situation is here. You guys are just mad because I helped Snow break out of her domestic servitude. You’re welcome, by the way.