I (36f) have two kids, “Mia” (14f) and “Liam” (16m), from a previous marriage. They have done ice dancing together ever since they were little. Yes, before anyone asks, it’s normal in the sport. They’re a strong match, similar in size, and work very well as a team. The routines are expressive and dynamic, but age-appropriate; nothing suggestive.

My husband, Mark (38m), and I have been together for almost seven years. He’s been in their lives since they were young, and they’ve always called him their stepdad. He used to be supportive, showing up to competitions, helping with rides, the usual. But over the last couple of years, his attitude started to shift for some reason.

He started making weird comments about how “close” they are when they perform, Stuff like how they’re always wrapped around each other, or it’s a little strange how intimate the choreography can look, sometimes within earshot of the kids.

I shut that down hard every time. We’ve had full-blown arguments about it, and after the last time, he swore he’d stop bringing it up.

Fast forward to a few nights ago. We had a couple of friends over for dinner. The kids were home and eating with us. One of our friends asked how skating was going, and the kids were talking about even though it’s off season, they’re still training hard and keeping up with their practice.

And then again, Mark went there by saying, ” Yeah, they train hard, but it’s still weird how into it they are. Like they’re siblings and they’re all over each other, it’s a bit much.”

Mia looked like she wanted to disappear. Liam just went quiet and stared him down, clearly pissed, The whole table just went awkwardly silent asides from an uncomfortable laugh from our friends, until someone changed the subject. I just felt done, but I didn’t make a scene right there and then.

As soon as everyone left and we were alone, I confronted him. Told him I couldn’t believe he would say something like that, especially in front of our friends and kids, after he promised he’d stop doing it. He’d tried to act like it was just one little comment, his opinion, and said I was being too sensitive again.

I told him no, this isn’t just a small thing, and I don’t want him around me or the kids if he’s going to act like this, and not even apologize for it. I told him to pack some bags and go.

He’s staying at his mom’s house, and she called me, going off about me being dramatic, how Mark was just trying to express his concern, and that maybe deep down, I know it looks weird. I hung up on her.

Meanwhile, my ex-husband heard about it from Mia and Liam and contacted me right away. He told me I did the right thing, and he has my back 100%. No hesitation.