Q: "What do I do about this? I hated the fact that Mom was going to marry Daniel. I mean. I like Daniel, but he has this daughter, and, well, she’s really cute. Now she’s going to be my Stepsister. Are we really supposed to be like brother and sister? I don’t know what to do. If only Daniel and Mom weren’t getting married, I would want to date her. I can’t talk to anyone about this. I have been so upset I can’t concentrate on school and my grades are showing it." (Michael, age 17)

A: Hey Michael, wow that is tough! First of all, it is completely normal to be attracted to another person, and the fact that you aren’t really brother and sister is going to be hard. Yet, becoming your Stepsister now puts her into the "undatable" category. You know how sometimes we think we are attracted to someone and then later we realize it wasn’t what we thought it was? Well, that is why you two need to just become Stepsiblings. If when you are both older and grown and out of the house you realize you have feelings for one another, then you can deal with that. But for now, it will make it so difficult for everyone and for both of you. If you continue to feel conflict about this, ask your Mom or Dad if you can find a professional to help you deal with the transitions going on in your life. It’s really OK if you are having trouble with this; it happens to many kids who end up living together.