This is occasionally an issue in my life! 'Cause no matter what your preference is, it can be a little awkward. And you might change what you say depending on who you're talking to.
My parents got separated when I was two. I literally have no memories of living with my father. My sister and I would visit him for a few weeks every year, and he'd come visit us for long weekends sometimes. So he's been in my life, but he's definitely not the guy who raised me. That would be my stepfather (Michael). We moved in with him when I was 10. He's the one who took me to/from school, taught me how to shoot a basketball and throw a frisbee, taught me how to drive, and was generally there for me emotionally and in every way.
If I'm talking about Mom and Michael, I'll generally say "my parents" -- e.g. I'm going to visit my parents this weekend -- because that's what they are; the fact that he's my stepdad doesn't really matter. If it's relevant to the conversation, like if I'm talking about visiting Mom and Michael one weekend and my dad the next, then I'll be more specific and say "my mom and stepdad." I have to be careful not to say "my parents" about Mom and Michael when I'm talking to my dad, which is one of those tricky spots. One more note: if Dad were to marry his girlfriend now, I would probably refer to her as his wife, rather than as my stepmother.
From the parents' side of things: Michael calls me and my sister his daughters, because he did raise us and there's really no reason to make the distinction. Mom never liked it that I don't call him "Dad," but it never felt right to me. I have a dad. I also have a Michael. IDK if it ever bothered him that I stuck with his name rather than anything else.
I know you didn't ask for an essay, but I felt like sharing. :) I hope this ramble helps a little!
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My parents got separated when I was two. I literally have no memories of living with my father. My sister and I would visit him for a few weeks every year, and he'd come visit us for long weekends sometimes. So he's been in my life, but he's definitely not the guy who raised me. That would be my stepfather (Michael). We moved in with him when I was 10. He's the one who took me to/from school, taught me how to shoot a basketball and throw a frisbee, taught me how to drive, and was generally there for me emotionally and in every way.
If I'm talking about Mom and Michael, I'll generally say "my parents" -- e.g. I'm going to visit my parents this weekend -- because that's what they are; the fact that he's my stepdad doesn't really matter. If it's relevant to the conversation, like if I'm talking about visiting Mom and Michael one weekend and my dad the next, then I'll be more specific and say "my mom and stepdad." I have to be careful not to say "my parents" about Mom and Michael when I'm talking to my dad, which is one of those tricky spots. One more note: if Dad were to marry his girlfriend now, I would probably refer to her as his wife, rather than as my stepmother.
From the parents' side of things: Michael calls me and my sister his daughters, because he did raise us and there's really no reason to make the distinction. Mom never liked it that I don't call him "Dad," but it never felt right to me. I have a dad. I also have a Michael. IDK if it ever bothered him that I stuck with his name rather than anything else.
I know you didn't ask for an essay, but I felt like sharing. :) I hope this ramble helps a little!