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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Sister living at our flat

235 replies

user1464279374 · 19/01/2020 04:09

So I'm in the very fortunate position of living in a spacious flat in London, which I own with my husband (thanks to his family's generosity/wealth, not my own hard work - I'll put that out there straight away!). We have a toddler and another baby on the way end of March.

My sister graduated university last summer and in the Autumn got a job in central London. Having been a struggling graduate years ago myself paying London rent (we are not from the city) I offered (with my husband's I suppose reluctant blessing) for her to stay in our spare room for free. The vague end date for that was new baby's arrival when we'll need a bit more space.

In return there was supposed to be a lot of babysitting, which hasn't really materialised. But I guess that's partly our own fault for not asking much in advance.

She was fired from this job before Christmas and is now job hunting but is still staying with us. After being home for the holidays my husband is not enjoying the lack of privacy now she's back and is itching for us to have our space again (and saying as much quite frequently). I always feel the guilt of 'but I can help, and I wish someone had helped me' but I do feel like she's taking the situation for granted and not pulling her weight.

Her room is always a mess, she's borrowing my clothes, doesn't contribute to general cleaning or cooking, and the reason I'm posting at 4am is she just turned up home from a night out waking me up. I'd asked her to text me before 1am if she was coming back (sometimes she stays with a friend) and she didn't so I locked up. So I wake up to banging at the door and her angry that I'd locked it. No apology. Luckily the toddler stayed asleep.

I just feel like we suddenly have a teenager living with us, and an ungrateful one at that. Part of me thinks she should understand that these things require some give and take, even if they are a favour from family.

Should I ask her to go back to our parents now she doesn't have a real reason to be here, so we can get the flat in shape a bit sooner for new baby? Should I be asking for some token rent? I don't much have the energy for huge arguments that might end up involving my mother who will inevitably try to persuade us she should stay. Should we just wait it out, given it's only another 6 weeks or so?

Thank you - would love to hear what you would do in this situation!

OP posts:
TatianaLarina · 19/01/2020 18:44

Just switch off WhatsApp.

user1464279374 · 19/01/2020 18:46

@TorkTorkBam I mean I think we've got what we wanted so that's a relief. And it's confirmation that she is indeed ungrateful and doesn't quite get it. But feeling shit that once again I'm the black sheep of the family for standing up for myself every once in a blue moon.

OP posts:
CSIblonde · 19/01/2020 18:48

She needs to go, she's taking the mick. How can she afford nights out if unemployed? Why isn't she temping between jobs & paying peppercorn rent at the very least? There's still loads of short term admin & reception jobs in London that don't insist on experience, which means no gap on your CV, which puts so many employers off IME .

lottiegarbanzo · 19/01/2020 18:48

What, like your family - your Dh, child and baby?

CSIblonde · 19/01/2020 18:50

Ah, just seen your last post that crossed with mine. Your mother is guilt tripping you. Ignore her. If you explain again you might end up with her negotiating a return!

user1464279374 · 19/01/2020 18:50

@lottiegarbanzo usually means not accepting her and my mother's every whim

OP posts:
lottiegarbanzo · 19/01/2020 18:51

Ask her what respect she has for your family; not the concept, the reality

A guest with any respect would have done the dishes once in a while, at the very least!

TorkTorkBam · 19/01/2020 18:51

Embrace being the difficult one. Embrace being the black sheep. Own it. It is so so liberating. I have even been know to ham it up a little like a comedy villain.

BumbleBeee69 · 19/01/2020 18:51

She's shown you what she genuinely thinks of you and your Husband generosity.. jealousy .. spiteful bitter jealousy... you do well to get rid of her... Flowers

MissConductUS · 19/01/2020 18:52

I agree, let your parents know exactly how it has not worked out and is no longer necessary for her to stay with you. You've become a free hotel, with meals and maid service thrown in. A weeks notice, no more no less.

If you've talked to her, please let us know how it went.

CokeAndCrispsAndDip · 19/01/2020 18:52

Tell her you're tired of her projecting. You've been more than generous and she can stand on her own 2 feet now. Her being vile to you and still expecting to stay with you is testament to her utter entitled attitude so please feel no guilt. You don't want her spoilt little madam antics with a toddler and a newborn

QueenArseClangers · 19/01/2020 18:54

Well that’s an ideal opportunity to pack her stuff in bin bags ready to drop off at your mum’s, isn’t it?

RandomMess · 19/01/2020 18:54

I think just do that no -apology sentence "sorry you feel that way" Smile

TorkTorkBam · 19/01/2020 18:56

Stand up for yourself all the time and you will stop feeling like shit.

Start now. Do not respond. Block them for a few days.

Has your sister actually taken her stuff round to your mum's or is she expecting to bitch at you over WhatsApp then waltz back into your flat?

HeadLikeAFuckinOrange · 19/01/2020 18:57

Her banging at the door early morning is a complete abuse - you are not a hotel.

Even hotels wouldn't tolerate that! At the hotels I've travelled to for work, there have been notes on the greetings list saying "Do not forget your keys, main doors are locked at 12am for security".
DSis is just taking the piss completely.

Jaxhog · 19/01/2020 18:57

she's 'very aware how little respect I have' for the 'concept' of family...

What a pity she didn't show any respect for you.

Clymene · 19/01/2020 18:59

Oh god what an awful pair. Well done on having such great boundaries. Your mother should 100% be in your corner here and the fact that she isn't speaks volumes.

I think they've been very clear so I'd put them on one side and concentrate on you. I'm so glad for you that you've managed to build your own family and hope your birth goes well.

MissConductUS · 19/01/2020 19:00

Sorry, I should have refreshed the page before posting and missed your update.

Of course she's going to rubbish you and make it your fault somehow. The alternative is admitting what a CF she's been.

Well done @user1464279374 Smile

JasonPollack · 19/01/2020 19:02

Well done OP Flowers

Maybe once her stuff is out you could have a little break from your family of origin for a bit. Get your head straight and that.

JKScot4 · 19/01/2020 19:05

Tell your sister SHE has no concept of family when she’s taking advantage of yours!
Why did she come back after Xmas if she had no job to come to?
Stand your ground and let your mum support her freeloading daughter.

Redonion123 · 19/01/2020 19:07

You have got concept of family. Your family. Your preparing your flat for your expanding family.

Noti23 · 19/01/2020 19:29

I’d be quite frank with your mother about the level of favouritism she’s showing towards your sister. It’s disgusting.

justanothernameonthewall · 19/01/2020 19:46

Op, I feel for you and go through very similar with my parents. Eldest child and constantly scapegoated for everything. I think I'm finally learning to just keep them at arms length and not get involved in the endless family dramas. I still get blamed for them, though. I just don't put myself in the situation where I have to hear the blame anymore.

It's a hard pill to swallow, but you can't change the way others act towards you. Just politely keep to your boundaries and move forward....

BaolFan · 19/01/2020 20:34

I'd send one response saying that it's funny how the concept of family only counts when it's you doing the giving.

Sillyscrabblegames · 19/01/2020 20:40

Well done, you are doing her a favour in the long run. Enjoy your peace, you deserve it!

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