I didn't start off close with my step daughter, Pink. I married her mom when she was 6 and the lack of a father figure left her rebellious at a young age. It took around 4 years for our shouting matches to end. Her mom wasn't an absent parent but also wasn't around due to working 3 jobs. We eventually got her into a stable career which left me taking care of Pink.
When she became a teenager most of our interests aligned, causing our relationship to grow calmer and closer. Mom didn't like that Pink and I had a better relationship than theirs but she accepted it. Once she turned 19 the relationship began to change. After an encouraged change of wardrobe from the oversized sweaters and boys clothes to form fitting shirts, correctly fitting bras (thanks to Victoria Secret) and skirts, Pink blossomed into a younger version of her mother. While stunning in her own right, Pink grew more confident almost overnight.
One night while sitting on the couch together, mom already took her sleeping meds an hour ago. I mentioned how proud I was of her courage to try something new.
"I remember how much you hated girls' clothes and now your in skirts. You really look amazing in these outfits."
"I feel better too. I get more compliments now and they don't keep asking if I'm a girl. Which got really annoying."
We both laughed remembering the question being asked when at a Waterpark.
"You know you used to tickle me like, almost daily growing up. Now it seems like you hardly do it" she said in a curious tone.
"I kinda figured you'd be over it now that you're older."