My husband and I have always considered ourselves a respectable family. This is our first marriage, and weve spent a quarter of a century together under one roof. In front of our daughter, we never once allowed ourselves to quarrel. Weve tried to set an example of love, mutual respect, and care. On the whole, I would say we have a truly happy marriage. I always hoped that, since we offered our daughter this foundation, she would naturally grow up to build a strong and loving family of her own. After all, people do say children imitate their parents.
Now, heres my worry. Our daughter isnt married yet, but she does have a boyfriend. Two years ago, my own mother passed away, and left her London flat to us. My husband and I agreed wed pass this flat on to our daughter. Lately, she confessed that shes been living there with her boyfriend.
Were unbothered by her having someone special in her life. Whats concerning is the boyfriend himselfhe truly does seem impossible. He doesnt lift a finger around the house, wont tackle any of the jobs expected of a man. If the tap breaks or a lightbulb needs changing, our daughter immediately phones her father for help. Ive asked several times why her boyfriend cant sort these things out, but she never gives me an answer. She always assures me hell start pulling his weight soon.
To make matters worse, I recently learned hes unemployed. Meaning, hes contributing nothing financially, and our daughter is carrying the whole load herself. Shes juggling two different jobs just to support them both. I honestly dont believe her boyfriend cares much for her at all.
I told her I thought she was making a mistake. She doesnt want to hear it. Shes convinced hell turn himself around and who knows, maybe things really will get better. Shes in love with him, after all. And I love my daughter with all my heart, but I cant help but ache for her.
