I took my sister-in-law and her young son on holiday. I regretted it a thousand times.
My husband and I had planned our usual seaside holiday. For years, weve gone to the coast with friends, driving our own cars and camping along the shore. Were seasoned campers. We pick a quiet stretch of beach, pitch our tents, and settle in. Our days are spent splashing in the sea and soaking up the sun. When night falls, we gather round a fire, strumming guitars, sipping a glass of dry wine, and singing songs. This year, my sister-in-law, Harriet, decided to join us, bringing her two-and-a-half-year-old son with her. We debatedshould we take them or not?
Sadly, we let ourselves be talked into it. Looking back, it wasnt my nephew who made things difficult, but Harriet herself. The trouble started before we even arrived. Harriet insisted we stop every hour. She was tired, she said, and needed to stretch her legs. Because of that, we arrived much later than planned. Our friends had already set up camp and even managed a swim before we showed up. Once we finally arrived, the second act began. My sister-in-law was furious.
Im not staying here! she exclaimed.
Why not? We said wed be camping! I tried to explain.
I thought you meant wed look for accommodation when we got here, not sleep in tents like this.
Why do you think we brought sleeping bags and tents along? my husband grumbled.
I thought camping just meant being outdoors!
In the end, we had to find her a room to let. My husband then spent his days ferrying her back and forth to and from our camp. On top of that, he had to drop her off at cafés and shops, and mind her little one while she took breaks from her hard work.
The rest of us looked after the boy as well. Honestly though, he was no trouble. A sweet lad, he ran along the beach, splashed in the sea, ate whatever was offered and napped peacefully in the tent each afternoon. His mother, on the other hand, was another story! Next year, we certainly wont be inviting Harriet along. However, if his parents agree, wed happily bring the little one. Hes the perfect companion for a camping adventure.
This whole experience taught me that sometimes, agreeing to things out of politeness can turn a simple holiday into a headache. Its important to set clear expectations and never be afraid to say nofor everyones sake.
