My brother is six years older than I am. Three years ago, he got married and decided to move into his wife’s flat instead of staying with our parents. With the high rent in the city, it really was their only reasonable choice. Id already been married for six years myself, and I have two children: a six-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. My wife is from London, so we settled down there. As we were both working, we managed to buy a small flat with a mortgage.
Recently, I received a message from my parents telling me that my brother and his family would be coming to stay with us for a week, and they apparently expected me to host them and let them stay at our flat. While I was honestly pleased to see my brother after such a long time, it simply wasnt possible for us to accommodate them. Our family of four lives in a cramped one-bedroom flat.
When we met them at Kings Cross, we spent the day showing them around the city. Once again, my parents hinted that I should put up my brother, his wife, and their son, pointing out how expensive it is to rent a room or a flat in London. Unfortunately, I just couldnt do it. Over dinner, I offered to help them find a decent hotel, but my brother wasnt having any of ithe insisted they should stay with us.
I tried to find other options, suggesting hotels, youth hostels, or perhaps renting a flat through some friends, but they dismissed every suggestion. It was quite clear they wanted a free place to sleep and eat for the week. To be honest, I feel its completely fair to say noafter all, my familys comfort comes first. My wife and children deserve their space to live properly. At the end of the day, Im not obliged to provide anyone with accommodation.
