Harlan Covington

My Brother Refuses to Put Mum in a Care Home, Yet He Won’t Take Her In Himself – He Says There’s No Room!

My brother refuses to put Mum in a care home, yet wont take her to live with him apparently, theres no room!

My Son Brought Home His New Girlfriend—She Seemed a Bit Suspicious A few days ago, my son introduced his girlfriend to our family. She’s a little younger than me, maybe four or five years. My son has fallen in love with a woman my own age and wants to marry her. The next surprise: she has a young daughter. I welcomed them warmly. The most important thing is that my son is happy, and that means I’m happy too, but I felt I had to speak to someone about it. As soon as they left, I called my best friend, who I fondly call my “calming medicine.” No matter what happens, she’s always there for me, offering wise advice that never fails. I told her the whole story and asked for her help in handling things the right way. We talked for ages, and who knows how long it would have gone on if my son hadn’t come home just then. He wanted to talk. I was nervous, worried he’d reveal something even more shocking. “Mum, I want her and her daughter to move in with us,” he said. I didn’t know how to react, but I agreed: let them move in. He was thrilled and went to tell them the news. All I could think was: Does she really love my son, or is she only interested because we have a lovely big house in central London and come from a wealthy family? With that thought, I drifted off to sleep. In my dream, my late husband told me, “It’s alright.” When I woke up, I understood: my son isn’t foolish. He knows what he’s doing, and even if he makes a mistake, he’ll fix it.

Just a few days ago, my son brought his girlfriend home. She appeared a bit suspicious to me.

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She Swapped Her Grandmother’s Unattractive Ring for Trendy Jewellery—and Her Mum Threw a Fit

My mum gave me my grandmothers ring. It isn’t the sort of vintage piece you’d expect;

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“Why bother with a mortgage? You can live with us—our home will be yours one day!” said my mother-in-law, but I’m not eager to wait fifty years to truly feel at home.

You two can live with uswhats the point in taking out a mortgage? Youll get our house anyway!

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Well Done! Husband Spends Nights with Current Wife and Days with His Ex

Splendid job! A husband with his current wife at night, but with his ex during the day. I am 38 years

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Dad Is Still the Best: When a Teenage Son Refuses to Accept His Stepfather, and a Mother’s Ultimatum Forces the Family to Face the Truth About Loyalty, Love, and What Makes a Real Parent

Dad Is Better Max, we need to have a chat. Emily was fiddling nervously with the tablecloth, smoothing

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Temporary Housemates: When Family Crashes in and Overstays Their Welcome

Theyll Stay for a While Listen, love, I need to talk to you I braced myself for what was coming.

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The Truth That Gripped My Heart: Sonya’s Struggle for Kindness Next Door, a Mother’s Cruelty, and the Neighbour’s Quiet Love

The truth that left everything hollow inside So, I was pegging out the washing in the back garden one

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Happy Women Always Look Their Best Lily struggled through her husband’s betrayal. At forty, she found herself alone; her daughter was studying at university in another city. Just two months earlier, Igor had come home and announced: “I’m leaving you, I’ve fallen in love.” Shocked, Lily asked, “With whom?” He replied flatly, “The way men always do… I’ve met someone else, I’m happier with her. Don’t try to persuade me—I’ve made up my mind.” He packed his things and left, all matter-of-fact, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. It was only later, after analysing things, that Lily realised he hadn’t made his decision overnight—he’d been quietly preparing to leave, only throwing his things in a suitcase at the last minute before slamming the door shut. Alone now, Lily cried and convinced herself that nothing good would ever happen to her again, that life had either ended or frozen. She withdrew from friends, ignored calls from her daughter and best friend, and even distanced herself from colleagues, some of whom pitied her while others looked on with schadenfreude. Lily even hoped: “Maybe Igor will tire of the woman who stole him from me, maybe he’ll come back and I’ll forgive him. After all, I still love him.” One morning, a phone call from an unknown number disrupted her despair: “Could it be Igor?” she wondered, hoping irrationally. But the call was from Ksenia, an old school friend, back in town after years away. Ksenia was radiant—well-groomed, stylish, and bursting with energy. She took charge, arriving with wine, cake, and oranges for a spontaneous celebration. After hearing Lily’s woes, Ksenia dismissed them: “Don’t make life so hard! You just need a change—a new look, some shopping, and maybe new love.” She whisked Lily to the mall and hairdresser, transforming her with a fresh haircut and stylish outfit. A week later at their school reunion, Lily’s transformation stunned everyone, especially Viktor, an old admirer who had also recently gone through a divorce. Viktor showered her with attention, and their easy happiness made Lily feel new and vibrant again. Two months later, strolling arm-in-arm with Viktor along the embankment after a theatre night, Lily spotted Igor—thinner now, and alone. He didn’t recognise her at first, but when he realised, he was shocked: “You look amazing!” Lily smiled and introduced him to Viktor as her “future husband.” As Igor gaped, Lily took Viktor’s hand and walked confidently away. For happy women always look their best.

Happy Women Always Look Stunning Lily was having a hard time getting over her husbands betrayal.

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ARE YOU REALLY MY HAPPINESS? To be honest, marriage was never part of my plans. If it hadn’t been for my future husband’s relentless wooing, I’d still be flying free as a bird. Artem was like a lovesick butterfly — fluttering endlessly around me, never letting me out of his sight, doing his best to please, treating me like I was made of glass… Eventually, I gave in. We got married. Artem instantly felt like home — comfortable, familiar, like a favourite pair of slippers. A year later, our son Stanley was born. Artem worked in another city, coming home only once a week, always bringing tasty treats for little Stan. During one visit, I prepared to wash his clothes, routinely checking all his pockets (I’d once washed his driving licence by accident!). This time, a folded paper slipped out of his trousers — a lengthy list of school supplies (it was August), with a childlike scrawl at the bottom: “Dad, please come home soon.” So, that’s how my husband entertains himself elsewhere! Bigamist! I didn’t make a scene — just packed a bag, took Stan (not yet three) by the hand, and went off to my mum’s for an extended stay. Mum gave us a spare room: “Live here till you make up.” Vengeful thoughts emerged against my thankless husband. I remembered my old schoolmate Rob — why not have a “romance” with him! Rob never gave me a moment’s peace, back in school or after. I phoned him. “Hi, Rob! Not married yet?” I began, playing it cool. “Nadine? Hey! Does it matter? Married, divorced… Shall we meet?” My unscheduled fling with Rob lasted half a year. Artem delivered child support to my mum in silence every month, then left. I knew he was living with Cathy Yates now. She had a daughter from a previous marriage. Cathy made her call Artem “Dad.” They all lived in Artem’s flat. When Cathy found out I’d left, she moved in with her daughter from another city straight away. Cathy worshipped Artem — knitted him woolly socks and warm jumpers, cooked fancy meals. I learnt about all this later, and I’ll forever tease my husband about Cathy Yates. Back then, though, it felt like our marriage was done — like it had hit a dead end and crashed. But when Artem and I met for coffee to discuss the upcoming divorce, warm memories swept over us both. Artem confessed his undying love and remorse, admitting he had no idea how to get rid of clingy Cathy. I felt unbearably sorry for him. We got back together. For the record, Artem never found out about Rob. Cathy and her daughter left town for good. Seven blissful years passed. Then Artem got into a car accident — operations, rehab, walking with a stick. The recovery took two years, left him drained, and he began drinking heavily. He completely withdrew from life. It was torture watching it all. Trying to talk him round didn’t help — he wore himself and us down and refused all help. But at work, I found a shoulder to cry on — Paul. He listened to me during smoke breaks, strolled with me after work, offered comfort and encouragement. Paul was married, with his wife expecting their second child. I can’t fathom how we ended up in bed together. Madness. He was a head shorter than me, not my type at all! Still, Paul whisked me off to exhibitions, concerts, ballets. When his wife gave birth to a daughter, he stopped all amusements, quit our company, found another job. Maybe he thought — “out of sight, out of mind”? I never laid claim to him, so let him go easily. Paul had only dulled my pain for a while; I never meant to interfere in someone else’s love. Meanwhile, my husband drank himself senseless. Five years later, I’d bump into Paul by chance — he’d seriously propose marriage. I found it funny. Artem rallied briefly, left for work in the Czech Republic. I became the model wife and doting mum, heart focused solely on my family. He returned half a year later. We renovated the flat, splurged on new appliances. Artem finally fixed his car. Life should’ve been peachy. But no — he lost control and started drinking again. The cycle of hell repeated. His mates had to carry him home; he couldn’t walk by himself, only crawl at best. I scoured our neighbourhood looking for my errant husband, usually finding him asleep on a bench, pockets turned out. I’d drag him home. It was always something. One spring, I stood sadly at the bus stop as birds sang and the sun smiled. Suddenly, a suave voice whispered in my ear: “Perhaps I can ease your troubles?” I turned. My word — what a handsome, fragrant gent! And I was 45! Could I become a rose again? But I blushed like a schoolgirl. Thankfully, my bus arrived, and I hopped on, far away from temptation. He waved as I left. All day, I could only think about him. I played hard to get for two weeks… to keep up appearances. But Egor (the mysterious stranger) pressed his advantage — waiting every morning at the same bus stop. Soon, I was checking from afar if my charmer was there. Egor would beam and blow air kisses when he saw me. One day, he brought a huge bunch of red tulips. “Where am I supposed to take flowers to work?” I laughed. “I’ll be exposed in no time — guilty with nothing I’ve done!” Egor grinned: “Didn’t consider the ‘terrible’ consequences.” He handed the bouquet to an old lady watching our drama closely. Her eyes sparkled! “Thank you, love! May you find a passionate girlfriend!” I blushed. At least she didn’t wish him a young girlfriend — I’d have vanished into thin air with shame! Egor turned to me: “How about we share the blame, Nadine? You won’t regret it.” Honestly, the idea was tempting and timely. There was nothing left of my marriage then anyway. Artem was an immovable log, lost in a drunken stupor. Egor was a tee-total, ex-athlete (57) and a captivating conversationalist. Divorced. He had a magnetic charm! I plunged headlong into a love affair — a whirlpool of passion, for three years torn between home and Egor. My soul was in turmoil. When I finally wanted to end it, I couldn’t find the strength. Egor had a hold on me — mind, body, and soul! He’d stand next to me and I’d lose my breath — it was madness! Still, I knew it wouldn’t last. It wasn’t love. After heated rendezvous, I’d come home longing to cuddle my husband — even drunk, unkempt, but so familiar and dear. My own crust seemed sweeter than any stranger’s cake. That was my truth. Passion? It comes from “to suffer.” I wanted to finish suffering, leave Egor behind and return to my family, not just drift along in pleasure. My mind thought so, but my body kept falling into the sweet abyss. My son found out about Egor when he saw us in a restaurant with his girlfriend. I introduced them. They shook hands politely. Later, Stan looked at me over dinner, expecting an explanation. I joked it was a colleague meeting about a new project. “Uh-huh… in a restaurant,” Stan nodded knowingly. He didn’t judge, but begged me not to divorce his dad. “Don’t rush — maybe Dad will come to his senses.” I felt lost, astray, a black sheep. My divorced friend insisted: “Dump those scruffy lovers and settle down!” I listened. After all, she was working on her third husband. But I only managed to break it off when Egor tried to strike me. That was it. Just like my friend warned — “The sea is calm until you leave the shore…” The scales fell from my eyes. I was free. Three years of torment! At last, peace. Egor chased after me for ages everywhere, begging on his knees for forgiveness. I never wavered. My wise friend gifted me a mug: “You did the right thing!” As for Artem, he knew everything about my wild escapades. Egor phoned and told him. Egor believed I’d leave my family. Artem admitted: “When I listened to your admirer’s tales, I wanted to quietly die. It was all my fault! I lost my wife to the bottle. Idiot. What could I say to you?” Ten years have passed since then. Now we’ve two granddaughters. One day, Artem and I sat at the table drinking coffee. I gazed out the window. Artem gently took my hand: “Nadine, stop looking elsewhere. I am your happiness! Do you believe it?” “Of course I do, my one and only…”

ARE YOU MY HAPPINESS? If Im honest, marriage was never really on my to-do list. And if it hadnt been