Anyone with a full-time job would easily understand the excitement I felt when the doorbell rang on the only day I had off this week.
Still half asleep, for no particular reason, my mind darted to plumbing problemsperhaps a flood? Groggily, I rushed to check if Id soaked anyone downstairs. The bathroom and kitchen were bone dryso, not the neighbours on the ground floor whom Id managed to flood a good six months ago.
The bell wouldnt quiet down, so I pulled on a shirt and shuffled to the front door. As I swung it open, what should greet me but a stack of suitcases with several people crowded around them.
Oh, Id have never recognised you if I passed you by on the street! came a rather dubious compliment from an older woman, catching me completely off guard.
I racked my brainwho on earth is she?
I peered at the fellow next to her, who beamed at me and thrust out his hand in cheerful greeting. Behind them, a young lad craned his headthank goodness he didnt add his own warble to the guessing game. The woman pushed on: Well, dont just stand there blocking the doorway. Let’s come in! I beg your pardon, I said, what exactly do you mean, come in?
She replied, Oh, you dont recognise your uncle? And I was the one who looked after you! Right, and this lad, she nodded toward the young chap, is your cousin. Hes come to study in London and hasnt anywhere to stay. So weve decided hell stay with you for a while. Well get him a bed later, itll all be grand. Weve even brought gifts for you! Didnt your father call?
No, he hasnt rung He probably forgotnever mind, well sort it. Now, let’s get in and arrange his things. Waitarrange his things? You mean hes living here?
Thats rightitll be good for you to have someone to look after. You know what its like as a student in a strange city. Im not looking after anyone, especially as my fiancée is always here. There just isn’t space. Well, well just have to make it work, wont we? I dont want any ‘making it work.’ There are student halls for a reason; I had to make do when I was his age. Oh, come on, thats simply not on.
By now, my relatives grew visibly irritated and started dragging their luggage insidebut I stood my ground. I realised if the suitcases made it past the hallway, itd be a fight to ever get them out. I asked them to give me five minutes, then walked with them to the student halls where my cousin had already been given a place.
Out came the accusationsselfish, inconsideratethe smiles vanished. Soon enough, so did my relatives, along with their numerous bags. I rang my parents in exasperation. What on earth was all that about?
Upon hearing the story, my mum was thoroughly upset and reprimanded me for not being family oriented.
Reflecting on the whole affair, I realised this: standing up for your own space and boundaries is vitalno matter how well-meaning others expectations may seem. If you dont draw the line, no one else will draw it for you.
