My four-year relationship with a great man has ended abruptly. We had those wonderful four years, but his 47-year-old troubled daughter presented an ongoing issue between us.

She was disrespectful to me by ignoring me, not answering my emails, etc. The worst was when she said in front of me and her father that she’ll have all the money when her father dies.

This was absolutely shocking. Her father said nothing to her about it, and tried to turn it into a joke. When she talked to him in my presence, she would say “you are the best dad,” “I love you so much,” probably saying this out of jealousy towards me.

She’s never worked in her life, but demanded expensive Christmas presents from him. I couldn’t take this woman and stopped seeing her.

The big problem for me was that my now ex-partner, her father, never acknowledged her wrongdoings when I tried to discuss my issues about her. His response was that I do not like her, or some other similar statement, always putting me in defence position.

These difficulties with his daughter and poor communication led to our breakup. I’m heart-broken because I love this man, but I couldn’t live with ongoing conflict with his daughter.

Any advice on how I could have handled the situation differently?

His Daughter Won

It’s a too-common distortion of what had started as a great love match which you both clearly felt. But his first loyalty was to his adult daughter.

Apparently, he’d always indulged her and she took advantage of his generosity. Her love words to him within your hearing were a purposeful message to you.

Choosing between her and you was more than he could handle.

Often, when a successful head of family has to consider their will and the years it took within the family to create a significant legacy, “outsiders” sometimes find they lose out entirely.

It’s not a pretty story. But there were troubling hints in those short four years: his daughter’s persistent ignoring of you, and sometimes almost taunting you when gushing about “love” of her father.

She didn’t give you a chance. Yet, you’re probably better off, since the divide had become a gulf between this woman and you.

A parent’s new relationship when someone’s determined to ruin it, can sometimes survive if the couple remain strong in their efforts to enjoy their love and reject interference.

Certainly, in this case, moving on is your better chance for future happiness.

FEEDBACK Regarding a letter-writer’s look at late-life relationships (July 28):

Reader – “My dad and his second wife wrote up an agreement as they had mirror wills, leaving everything they owned to the survivor. While the agreement was not legally binding it was morally binding.

“They presented a copy to each of us children: four of hers, three of his.  And we each had to initial that we read it.
“In the document, they agreed that the survivor would write a new will with 50/50 division. And if/when entering a new relationship of living together or marrying, they would legally seek a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement. And I am happy to say it worked!”

Note to readers - As the couple’s home jurisdiction is not revealed in this letter, it’s not clear why the writer says it was not legally binding, although they’d married, but it was considered morally bonding in their eyes and those of all their children as well.

FEEDBACK Regarding the mother asked to allow her 14-year-old son to join his two friends and their sometimes-difficult mother as the sole adult, on a complicated Florida vacation (August 8):

Reader - “This mother’s mistake happened immediately when offered the trip (excluding her). The immediate question should’ve been about costs for activities the woman had pre-booked. Now, there’s no easy way out.  NEVER ASSUME where money is concerned.

“She must be totally open/honest with her son regarding her dilemma. Her son’s safety must be the top priority.

“She should chat with the mother and sincerely apologize for her own misunderstanding, then explain that she simply cannot afford what’s been planned (whether true or not).

“But don’t make it personal or based on her gut feeling regarding her son’s safety with this woman.

“She should also expect the truth to come out about this dilemma, as the boy will likely talk.”