My mother-in-law decided to move into our flat and give her place to her daughter.
My husband grew up in a big family. His mother kept having children until a daughter was born. An odd approach, but not for me to judge.
When I married, I thought I was fortunate. Edward seemed responsible, brave, and strong. He understood family but couldn’t detach himself from his mother and sister. If my mother-in-law didn’t particularly worry about her sons, her daughter’s well-being was always a priority.
Grace was 10 years old when we met. Initially, she didn’t bother me, but after five years, things went downhill. She wasn’t interested in studying, had questionable friends, and my husband often had to assist in her upbringing. My mother-in-law could call in the dead of night demanding his help.
I hoped Grace would grow up, get married, and everything would be fine. That wasn’t the case! When she found herself a boyfriend, my mother-in-law insisted that the brothers chip in for the wedding since she was strapped for cash. Grace’s fiancé came from a modest background, so the newlyweds had to live with my mother-in-law.
However, she soon realized that they were struggling to coexist happily. She devised what she thought was an ideal solution—move in with us and let her daughter have the apartment. Never mind that I bought the property with my hard-earned money, and my husband didn’t contribute a penny. The most puzzling part is that he’s pleased with this arrangement too. He claims that having his mum around will ease our burdens.
Our flat has three bedrooms, but I don’t want to sacrifice comfort and share our living space. My mother-in-law feels we owe her accommodation since my husband is the eldest son responsible for his parents’ welfare.
I love my husband and am not considering a divorce. But how do I talk to him? How do I explain that living with his mum feels like a nightmare? Does anyone have some advice?
