My daughter has no conscience. She threatens me, saying Ill never see my grandchildren or be allowed to look after them unless I sell my flat, find a job even though Im retired, and so on. Shes been a manipulator since she was a child. It always has to be her wayshe decides, she wants, and Im supposed to agree. But I wont stand for it.
Im not young anymore. Ive grown used to spending my days at home, without work, and I have no desire to take up another jobmy health isnt what it used to be. My pension is enough for me, and I dont take money from my children. We have separate budgets and our own shelves in the fridge. Selling the flat is simply out of the question.
There are five of us living here nowmyself, my daughter Olivia, my son-in-law James, and two grandchildren. We somehow manage to fit into our three-bedroom flat, but if we sold it, we wouldnt get much because its old, a bit run-down, and the location isnt great. We might be able to afford a two-bedroom place, but we certainly couldnt buy two flats, so whats the point?
I understand that Olivia wants her own place, so she and James ought to save up for that instead of scaring me.
Ill take the children and youll never see them again! Olivia threatens.
But I dont fear her words. Her children arent particularly sweettheyve been spoilt, they walk all over everyone, they have no respect for elders, and theyre just like their parents. Honestly, Id feel happy not seeing them in my home.
Olivia swears up and down that shell move out, but weeks go by and nothing changes. I suspect theyre unable to get a mortgage, so theyre doing everything they can to pressure me into selling. Since gentle words havent worked, theyve switched to outright force.
After reflecting on all this, I realise that I must stick to my principles. Giving in would only encourage more manipulation. The lesson Ive learned is to trust myself, stand firm, and not let others dictate my life, no matter how closely related they are.
