My stepdaughter Eva usually spends weekends at her dad’s, but she and his new wife don’t get along. My wife asked me to babysit Eva every Sunday to give her ex-husband’s household a break. I refused because Sundays are my cycling days — something I’ve trained for for years — and she accused me of being selfish and choosing myself over family.

The next morning, Eva unexpectedly showed up at our house while I was making breakfast. She looked anxious and asked if she could stay because “Mom’s tired and I don’t want to be there alone.” I felt torn — she wasn’t trying to manipulate anyone; she genuinely needed comfort and didn’t want to be stuck in an uncomfortable home.

Even though I felt guilty, I told her no. I explained that while I care about her, I also need my personal time and can’t give up cycling every week. Eva looked disappointed, and my wife wasn’t happy either, but I stuck to my boundaries.

I’m still unsure if I handled it perfectly, but I believe kindness has limits. Being a step-parent doesn’t mean sacrificing my identity or passions every time. I can support Eva — but not at the expense of losing myself in the process.