As a mother, I always thought I’d have a strong bond with my 17-year-old son. We’ve been through so much together, especially after his father moved abroad. I did my best to give him stability and love, even when it felt like everything around us was changing. But lately, things have become tense, and I find myself caught in a storm I never saw coming.

He’s been struggling to accept my new relationship. I understand it’s hard for him—he’s had to watch me move on after my marriage ended, and now there’s a new man in my life. My boyfriend, though kind and caring, has sparked something in my son that I can’t quite reach. And now, he’s threatening to go live with my ex—the man who’s been more of a father figure to him than his own dad ever was.

It breaks my heart. My ex isn’t his father, but they’ve always had a connection. I should be glad he has someone else in his life who cares, but this feels like a betrayal of the bond we’ve shared for so long. He’s using it as a weapon to hurt me, to push me away, all because he can’t stand my new relationship.

I don’t know what to do. Do I let him leave, hoping he’ll come back once he cools off? Do I fight harder to make him stay, even if it pushes him further away? My mind races with the possibilities, but every option seems to lead to more hurt, more distance between us.

I just want him to understand that life is complicated, that love can change, and that my heart still has room for him—even if it’s trying to heal with someone new. But he doesn’t want to hear it. Instead, I’m faced with an ultimatum I never expected from my own child.

At the end of the day, I just want what’s best for him. I just hope we can find a way through this together, without losing each other in the process.