Let me begin by noting that I have a three-bedroom flat which I inherited (its been in my family for about seventy years), and I have a fifteen-year-old son from my first marriage. Im thirty-six years old, and recently my friend, Adam, whos thirty-nine, moved in with us. At first, it was just the three of us, but then Adam mentioned that his daughter, thirteen-year-old Emily, had nowhere proper to stay at her mothers house. Emily moved in with me. I made sure to give her a bedroom, clearing out all my things so shed have her own space and privacy.
Emilys got quite a strong personality, to put it mildly. From day one, she started with her moods. She wasnt happy that my sons wardrobe was bigger than her wardrobe. Because of that, she demanded a different room and started manipulating my son in various ways, such as saying, Are you talking to me? If you give me your room, then maybe Ill think about answering you. She can be such a little trouble-maker.
The thing is, Adam always stands up for his daughter. He says he was the same at her age and that this temperament will mellow out over time. The room isnt her only demand. Emily is such a picky eater a real food critic. She has no qualms saying, I wont eat this stuff, make me something else. And last week she showed the height of her cheek. There was a dreadful smell wafting from her room. I asked her to tidy it up, because she wouldnt let me inside her personal space.
At that moment, I realised I felt like a stranger in my own home. I got properly angry. I told her that if she kept behaving so disrespectfully, she could pack her belongings and go back to her mothers; I refuse to tolerate such behaviour in my household. Adam came rushing to defend Emily. I told him everything. Now Im left wondering what will become of our relationship. I just hope I havent ruined it completely. But honestly, if he doesnt respect me and only cares about his daughter, maybe it would be better if he left for good.
