I know a woman who tried the blended family thing. they were both very successful real estate agents....but, there was a lot of conflict over her son....the son was a sensitive artist type and the stepfather was a "manly man"....
the mother felt torn.....so, she decided to move back into her own home and "date" the stepfather (who she also worked with in the same realestate office). they agreed to move back in together when the son left for college.
The son left for college and had his own apartment. the couple moved back in together and then, got married. That was several years ago, and they all seem to be doing fine.
I really admired their problem solving ability....and, the ability to recognize the reality of the situation.....