#step duding

[stepdude]

The least important thing I'll ever do -- means more than the most important thing I'll ever say.

step-dude

[stepdude]

We will make GIANT mistakes

1.  That's a part of the deal.

So we can stop feeling bad now. _____

2.  That's one of the reasons I've been so reluctant to get involved,

or to really try to pull anything out of the child of someone I'm dating,

or in a relationship with,

or engaged to,

or married to. _____

3.  I'm worried I'm going to screw up. _____

4.  And that's what I'm realizing, 

as I grow and push forward:

I am. 

I am going to screw up. _____

5.  That's a big part of being in a "parents" role:

You have to deal with the reality that you get it wrong all.  the time.

I think coming in, 

I thought I had to be perfect.

I thought I had to know what to say, every time.

I thought the reason I didn't was because I'd 

never been a parent before. _____

6.  And also:

I'm allowed to be honest.

This is one of the perks that maybe a biological parent doesn't have.

Or maybe it's just because the kid I'm talking about is a teenager now,

and a little more able to handle the complexity of non-traditional relationships.

But I doubt it.  I think kids understand more than most people give them credit for.  

Or maybe not.  Maybe being honest with a kid will lead to some of my biggest mistakes.

I don't know.  

But at some point,

it's time to jump in the pool. _____

7.  Ocean*