Supporting family members without a home is an act of compassion that goes beyond mere words. Providing a temporary place to stay, whether in a spare room or an available living space, can offer much-needed stability during challenging times. However, kindness is sometimes not reciprocated.
In this story, Redditor u/Decent-Reputation231 (OP) and her husband let her sister-in-law's family stay in their basement because they lost their home. When the OP's husband got a job opportunity, he asked his sister to help him babysit; she agreed. But then she left the kid with her 13-year-old son to take a nap.
The situation becomes more complicated when the sister and her husband are jobless and relying on unemployment benefits. To protect against potential issues, the OP had them sign a lease. But when the OP asked in-laws to pay the amount on the lease, leave, or help around the house, the sister-in-law accused the OP of tricking them into signing a lease agreement.
What do you think? Do you think the OP was wrong? Scroll down to read the entire story and share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Source: phillymag.com (not the actual photo)
This is how the story begins:
Source: Decent-Reputation231
OP and her semi-retired husband welcomed her sister-in-law, husband, and two teens into their basement rental suite after they lost their home
Source: Decent-Reputation231
OP's husband asked his sister for babysitting, but she delegated the task to her son and took a nap instead
Source: Decent-Reputation231
The OP and her husband decided that her in-laws should start contributing financially according to the lease
Source: Decent-Reputation231
In-laws accused the OP of tricking them with the lease
Source: Decent-Reputation231
OP gave them a lease due to concerns about potential issues with people falsely claiming to be tenants
Source: Decent-Reputation231
The in-laws should be asked to leave
Source: imothro
"People are so sensitive"
Source: Agreeable_Tale1305
That's what normal people do
Source: hellogoawaynow
Setting healthy rules and boundaries, including the lease, is reasonable and not threatening
Source: SquatCobbbler
The in-laws family doesn't deserve the OP's help
Source: Helpful_Hour1984
The SIL should have instructed the kid to wake her up if needed rather than bothering the aunt
Source: BeBrave920
The adults should either pay rent or find alternative housing
Source: WonderReal
Asking the family to uphold their end of the agreement by contributing to household responsibilities is reasonable
Source: florida-raisin-bran
The issue might not be isolated
Source: chronberries
Good question!
Source: earazahs
Have you ever navigated a situation where family support turned into unexpected challenges? What are your thoughts on setting boundaries and establishing agreements in such scenarios?
Share your insights or similar experiences in the comments!