Dear Chatty,
Yep, step kids can make one's life hell. I'm sure the step-kids didn't make her life pleasant...it's hard blending families. Larry and I are at the age where we're both not willing to put up with any bull in our lives...we've both been there and had that done to us and no one, no even our kids, especially at their age, is going to upset the wonderful, loving life we've found with each other.
I'm happy you've never had to deal with steps...you're lucky.