I live in London with my wife. I moved here fifteen years ago to attend university, finished my studies and landed a job. It was here that I met my future wife. A year after we met, we got married.
At first, we lived with my wifes parents while saving up, and now we reside in our own two-bedroom flat. Own is perhaps a bit optimistic, as we still have six years left on the mortgage.
And then, as often happens, my relatives started visiting us. After all, everyone wants to see London, and nobody fancies paying for a hotel when they can just stay with family.
This summer, my wife and I were finally able to take some holiday time and decided to head to the seaside.
We planned to leave on the 16th of July and began packing. Then, on the 15th, my cousin Emily called, saying shed be at our place on the 18th. I told her we would be at the coast and wouldnt be home.
She replied, What do you mean, the coast? Cancel your trip, we havent seen each other in a year! I told her we were definitely going. She hung up.
We left for the seaside as planned. That evening on the 18th, I got a call. Emily said, Where are you? Were at your flat. Were standing at the door and ringing, but nobodys answering.
I replied, Well, no ones going to let you inwere at the seaside. I told you we had a trip planned.
She said, I thought you just said that so we wouldnt come.
No, I was being honest, I replied.
So what should we do now? she asked.
There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs around London; you could check into one.
We dont have the money to rent anywhere, she replied.
Well, I dont know what to tell you. Youll have to figure something out yourselves.
She hung up and hasnt called since. When I got home, I heard shed told the rest of the family how terrible I wasnot only did I take a holiday, I apparently didnt even want to meet my own relatives.
And to top it all off, quite a few family members took her side. Honestly, I dont see what I did wrong. Did I err simply by deciding to go on holiday with my wife? I warned everyone honestly. If they chose not to believe me, thats their problemnot mine.
Reflecting on all this, Ive learnt that sometimes, you simply cant please everyone, no matter how reasonable you try to be. Its important to stand by your decisions and not let others expectations dictate your own happiness.
