Unwanted House Guest

I didn't want to do it. I told my wife all about the problems that would come along with the idea while I was still in Iraq, but I eventually gave in. Much to my dismay, I now feel like a stranger in my own home...at least that's the way our new house guest treats me. Sometimes I can't stand him.

He's immature. He has bad B.O. and a cranky attitude. I'm almost positive he has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). And, he almost never cleans up after himself, except for the one time he threw up from an upset stomach.

I probably shouldn't talk to ill of him, but it's not like he's going to read my blogs. He could care less. He has his interests and outlets and I have mine. And right now, I need to vent my frustrations.

Sometimes he's really nice to my kids, but other times I'd like to smack him hard because of the way he treats them. My kids have come to me crying because they've been bullied by him. I admit, I've called him some cruel names, which is unlike me.

He's actually part of the family, but I don't really look at him that way since I never met him before now. I suppose one day I can see him as a family member, but it will take some time. There is some good in him, but frankly, for the most part, I don't really like him. I even told my wife I'd like to kick him out of our home and find another place for him to live. She is being very patient with me and encourages me to see the good in him and in the situation. But it's hard for me to see past his repulsive habits. Besides, he likes my wife and my son a lot, but not me so much.

When I came home, I laid down the rules. He was used to running the house, so to speak. He's manipulative that way. As they say, this animal could get away with murder. I suppose all puppies are annoying, but there are times when they are really terrific. You gotta hate the dichotomy.