I’m convinced my stepson is a con artist who is trying to avoid full time work

DEAR DEIDRE: I AM convinced that my stepson is a con artist who is doing everything he can to live off us.

He has zero interest in getting a job and I’m starting to believe he’s a lot smarter than he lets on.

I’m 56, my wife is 50 and we’ve been married for eight years. Her son is 25 years old.

Ever since he finished school he has done everything in his power to avoid getting a full-time job.

It’s been one excuse after another, and now he claims his anxiety is so bad he can’t work.

To make matters worse, he barely does anything to help around the house and expects us to clean up after him.

I’m at the end of my tether but my wife is always quick to defend him.

She buys everything that he tells her to and always gives him the benefit of the doubt. She never wants to listen.

I spend my weeks slaving away trying to make a living and every single day I come home from work and have to cook him dinner.

When he’s not out with his friends he’s sat around playing video games and watching TV.

I’m at a loss, and it’s really starting to get me down.

DEIDRE SAYS: Your stepson is a fully grown man and is clearly capable of cooking his own meals and contributing around the house.

While it’s understandable that his mum is protective of him, it’s unfair that your feelings aren’t being heard.

Pick a moment to talk to your wife again and explain how you are feeling and the impact this is having on you.

Can the two of you agree to some boundaries for him?

Perhaps he can do a couple of chores and cook two nights a week to begin with.

While you can’t force him to work, you can try to find a compromise.

My support pack Stepfamily Problems will help.