After Dad recently passed away, Mom has been feeling so sad and lonely. To help her feel less alone, I suggested she come live with us and be close to her grandkids.
At first, my husband refused, then agreed—on one condition: that she pays us rent. I was shocked. We own our house outright, so it just didn’t feel right to ask her for money.
When I questioned him, he said, “Your mom will never leave if she moves in. She’ll use our resources without contributing, and this house isn’t a hotel.”
I felt hurt. Both of us worked hard to buy this home together, and I have every right to welcome my mom if she needs me. Asking her to pay rent just feels wrong, especially now.
I have to be fair, though—my husband isn’t a bad person. He and my mom have just never really gotten along. He recently opened up to me, saying, “She’s disliked me since we met. I wouldn’t feel comfortable living under the same roof.”
Now, I’m torn between helping my mom in her time of need and keeping peace in my marriage. I want to support her, but I also need to respect my husband’s feelings. How do I find a balance that honors them both?