My husband grew up in a big family here in England. My mother-in-law kept having children until she finally had her daughter, which seems a bit odd, but who am I to judge, right?
When I married Daniel, I truly thought I’d hit the jackpot. He came across as reliable, brave, and steady. He understood the meaning of family, but he just couldnt seem to detach himself from his mum and his younger sister. His mum didnt seem all that fussed about her sons, but her daughters happiness was always her top priority.
His sister, Charlotte, was only ten when I first met her. At the beginning, it didnt bother me at all, but after about five years it really started to grate. Charlotte never wanted to study, started hanging out with some rather dodgy boys, and it always seemed to fall to Daniel to sort things out. Shed call him up at all hours needing help.
I kept hoping Charlotte would grow up, get married, and it would all just sort itself out. But, of course, that wasnt the case. When she finally decided to get married, my mother-in-law got Daniel and his brothers to chip in for the wedding because she didnt have any money herself. Her new husband didnt earn much, either, so the newlyweds ended up living with her.
Then came one child, then another Eventually, my mother-in-law realised it couldnt go on like this. So she cooked up the perfect solutionshed move in with us and give her flat to Charlotte and her family. The thing is, I bought our flat with my own money, not a single pound from Daniel. And whats maddening is that hes perfectly pleased with the arrangement, saying, Mum will help you out.
Weve only got a two-bedroom flat. I really dont want to give up my comfort and share our space with anyone else. My mother-in-law is convinced were obligated to look after her because Daniels the eldest son and its his duty to care for his parents wellbeing.
I do love my husband, and divorce just isnt an option for me. But Im at a losshow do I get him to see sense? How do I make him understand that having his mum live with us is like living in a nightmare? If youve got any advice, please send it my way. Im honestly desperate for even the smallest tip.
