Last night, I told my son and daughter-in-law they had to leave my house, and I took away their keysfor the first time, I realised Id had enough.
Its been a week since then and I still cant quite believe what I did. I turned my own son, Robert, and his wife, Charlotte, out of my home. You know what? I dont feel the least bit guilty. It had gone too farthat line theyd crossed was the one they drew themselves.
Six months ago it all started. I came home from work, tired as ever, just wanting a cup of tea and a bit of peace. Instead, I found Robert and Charlotte in my kitchen. She was slicing cheddar, he was lounging at the table reading The Times, all perfectly casual. He greeted me with a grin:
Hello, Mum! We thought wed pop in for a visit!
At first, I didnt think much of it. I love having Robert over. But then I saw it wasnt a visit at all. It was a move-inwithout so much as a warning or a request. Theyd just appeared and settled in.
Turns out they’d been evicted from their flat in central Londonthey hadnt paid the rent in six months. Id warned them before: Dont live beyond your means. Find something more sensible, cut back. But nothey had to have that smart, spruced-up place in Zone One with the balcony overlooking the city. When that came crashing down, they bolted to my house.
Just for a week, MumI swear, Im looking for somewhere already, Robert promised.
Inaivelybelieved him. I thought, one week is hardly a lifetime. Were family. I should help. If only Id known
One week stretched to another, then a third, then three months. No one looked for a place. Instead, they made themselves as comfortable as if it were their own home. Never asked, never pitched in, never did their bit. And Charlotte Well, I misjudged her from the start.
She didnt cook, didnt tidy, just spent her days meeting friends or lazing with her phone on my settee. Id get home from a twelve-hour shift, cook supper, wash the dishes, and she wouldnt even rinse her own cup.
One day, I suggestedvery gentlythey could pick up some extra work. Itd help all around. They werent having any of it:
We know what were doing, thanks for your concern.
They let me foot every billwater, electric, gasand didnt drop a single penny. Somehow, if anything wasnt perfect, it started a row. Every word I said sparked a storm.
Then, last week. Late nightI couldnt sleep, and the TV was blasting in the lounge. Robert and Charlotte were there, laughing and chatting at the top of their voices. I had to be up at six.
I came out and said:
Are you going to bed at all? I need to get up early!
Oh Mum, dont start, Robert replied.
Oh Mrs. Allen, dont be so dramatic, Charlotte threw in, not even looking up.
That was itthe last straw.
Pack your bags. I want you out by tomorrow.
What?
You heard me. Out. Or Ill pack for you.
When I turned to leave, Charlotte sniggered. That was her mistake. I grabbed a few big bin bags and started stuffing their things inside. They tried to stop me, pleaded, but Id made up my mind.
Out now, or Im calling the police.
Half an hour later their suitcases were in the hall. I took away their keys. No tears, no apologies. Just sulking and accusations. But I didnt care anymore. I closed the door, locked it, and sat downin silencefor the first time in half a year.
Where did they go? Ive no idea. Charlotte’s got family and plenty of matestheres always a sofa somewhere. I know they weren’t sleeping rough.
I dont regret a thing. I did what I had to do. Because this is my homemy castleand I wont let anyone trample through it. Not even my own son.
Sometimes, saying no is the most loving thing you can do. If you dont respect yourself, youll never truly respect anyone else.
