We came to visit, but you weren’t there.
I live with my husband in a large cityLondon, to be exact. I moved here fifteen years ago for university, finished my studies, and landed a job. Its here I met my future husband, too.
A year after we met, we got married.
At first, we lived with his parents to save for our own place, and now weve got a two-bedroom flat. Well, its ours in name only for now, seeing as weve still got six years left on the mortgage.
And now, true to form, relatives have appeared on our doorstep.
Everyone wants to see the capital, after all, but no one fancies paying for a hotel. Much more convenient (and cheaper) to stay with family.
This summer, my husband and I had booked some time off and decided to spend our holiday at the seaside.
We were set to leave on 16th July and had begun packing.
Then, on 15th July, my cousin Emily rang to announce shed be arriving at ours on the 18th.
I told her we were heading to the coast, so we wouldnt be in.
She replied, What trip? Just cancel, we havent seen each other in a year. I told her straight out that thered be no cancelling, we were definitely going.
She hung up on me.
Off we went to the seaside.
Then, on the evening of the 18th, my phone rang.
I answered, and she said:
Where are you? Were at yours. Were stood outside, ringing the bell, but no ones opening up.
Well, I said, whos going to open the door? Were at the seaside. I told you we were going away.
I thought you were joking.
No, I was serious.
So what are we meant to do now?
There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, you can check in somewhere nearby.
We dont have the money to rent a place.
Well, I dont know then. You can go back homeor figure out what suits you. Youre adults, you can decide for yourselves.
She hung up and hasnt rung since.
When she got back home, she told every relative how horrible I wasI went off for a bit of rest by the sea and couldnt even be bothered to see my own family.
And, of course, plenty of them are taking her side and painting me as the villain.
But I just dont get itwhat exactly did I do wrong?
Was it just because I chose to take a proper holiday with my family?
I made it perfectly clear what our plans werewarned honestly, in advance.
