What do I do about a "2nd best" dad?

Question

My step dad has played an active role in my life,while I have had an absentee father until about 6 years ago. While I've slowly began talking to my father, we will never be as close as my step dad and I are.

Earlier he left me a voice mail which started out with "Hi, this is your 2nd best dad." Both my step dad and father are good friends, so I'm not sure where this kind of comment came from, and it really upset me. What should I do?

Answer 1

Oh honey, talk to him. tell him how you feel about him. Let him know that he is not #2 in your life and that you apprecaite all he has been to you and done for you. It's important that you do it now.

Answer 2

Ignore it. You are the child, not responsible for their drama.

He could be speaking from his own guilt and recognition, regretfully, of your better relationship with your stepfather. I am being charitable there. More likely, he is instilling guilt in you and hoping you will come running to deny it and assure him you love him better. That is not cool and you should not have to play those games.