first 3 or so years were very complicated, very hard, hard on me, my wife, the child, the biological dad. It's a messy thing. I don't blame men or women that run from a relationship when they find out the other person that has kids. But for those that are willing and able to take on children that aren't their own biologically, that are willing to add more stress, add more expenses, lose out on their own time, to become a parent and a role model to a child, it is well worth the it. My step daughter is legitimately my best friend. She is exactly like me somehow. She is 100% daddy's girl. I would deal with all the crap I dealt with 100 times over because it was absolutely worth it. Things have calmed down, everyone knows their roles. Everyone stays in their lane. Life is good now. I'll be adopting my step daughter this month. I don't regret a thing.