That is understandably a tough situation you're facing. I lost my mom as a young kid. My dad remarried twice, first when I was in junior high, so I lived with her for several years and it was not easy. It sounds like you may be closer to your dad and other family than I am. Maybe you can start by opening up to your brother and even your dad about this. They may also be concerned about how things will play out with everyone under the same roof. Opening up a dialog about it shows them that you care and that you want to figure out how to adjust to this transition - and will hopefully inspire them to do the same. They may have some thoughts on how to make things easier...or they may not. But if you get feedback that they also want getting used to living together to go as smoothly as possible, then you can at least take some comfort in knowing that you share the same goals. Please know that your dad and his girlfriend are probably both nervous about how things will go, and that it will help to understand that on some level you share these feelings with them. The goal is to help you to be more open-minded about the possibility of things being okay - not perfect, but it doesn't have to be bad, either. Careful about dreading it though...if you only see it as something negative, you may get what you're expecting. Throughout your life you will encounter ongoing lessons of how to deal with different people. It may be a nasty boss, a gossipy co-worker, a difficult teacher, a boyfriend being a jerk, another student being inconsiderate...the opportunities for us to do our best to open up our hearts and minds to other people are endless. Try to make the best of the new living situation. Even if it never feels like a good fit or is a bit of a strain, by dealing with it the best you can, doing your best to learn how to adapt is valuable and will help you deal better with other people...people that one day you may even chose to bring into your life but still struggle with getting along with. As far as my dad's current wife, I recognize what I can & can't stand about her. When I stay with them (including 2 times which lasted a few months each) I do my best to go to my room when being around her stresses me out. Otherwise, I just try to ignore what she says or does that gets to me. Don't expect that every moment will be pleasant. Instead, be proactive by having a "Plan B"...maybe a list of things you can do to remove yourself from an unpleasant situation or at least distract you from it. If you can't leave the room, maybe you can read a book or at least let your thoughts travel elsewhere. If you're having trouble talking with her/them, be honest & let them know. Better to let them know you need space than to snap back when someone's pushing your buttons. They will need to learn how to live with you just like you'll need to learn how to live with them. Also, you never know...one day you might be the girlfriend of someone whose kids lost their mother through death or divorce. By recognizing that may also be a tough a situation to be in, it could help to soften you, to give you the strength to work through adjusting to this new situation. I hope this will be of some help to you. Good luck!