My mother-in-law decided to move into my flat and give hers to her daughter.
My husband grew up in a large family. My mother-in-law kept having children until she eventually had a daughter. An unusual approach, but who am I to judge?
When I married Paul, I thought I was lucky. He seemed responsible, brave, and strong. He understood what family meant, but he couldn’t detach himself from his mother and sister. If my mother-in-law wasn’t particularly worried about her sons, her daughter’s wellbeing was always her top priority.
Lucy was ten years old when I met Paul. At first, she didn’t bother me, but after five years, things got worse. She didn’t want to study, kept questionable company, and my husband had to help raise her. My mother-in-law could call in the middle of the night asking for his help.
I hoped Lucy would grow up, get married, and things would work out. That didn’t happen! When she found a boyfriend, my mother-in-law insisted her sons chip in for the wedding because she didn’t have the funds. Lucy’s fiancé wasn’t from a wealthy family, so the newlyweds moved in with my mother-in-law.
However, she soon realized they couldn’t manage living together. She came up with the perfect solution — she’d move in with us and give her flat to her daughter. Never mind that I bought the property with my hard-earned money and my husband didn’t contribute a penny. The most interesting part is that he’s pleased with the arrangement. He insists that his mum will ease our responsibilities.
We have a three-bedroom flat, but I don’t want to sacrifice comfort and share my living space. My mother-in-law believes we’re obligated to house her because my husband is the eldest son and should look after his parents’ wellbeing.
I love my husband and divorce isn’t an option. But how do I talk to him? How do I explain that living with his mum is a nightmare? Does anyone have any advice?
