This year I am once again being “forced” on another student. Or should I say, a student. Very distant relatives without me decided that their daughter, a future student, can stay with me.
But for some reason they forgot to tell me and ask if it’s possible.
Last year I received a phone call from a distant relative who suggested that her grandson stay with me while he was studying in our city. Until they find him a place to live.
I naturally refused, and they did not understand why and were offended. Yes, and all the relatives ranted, “what a bad and unhospitable I am, and having a large two-bedroom apartment!!! could not get into our position and settle in theirs.
Yeah, that’s how bad I am. And now history is repeating itself. This time it’s not the grandson, but the daughter of a very distant relative on my daddy’s side. Again I got a call from a number I didn’t know. I answered it right away. And again:
-“Only you can help us! My daughter is going to study in the city, so we need an apartment…. And we thought of you… You have a three-bedroom, let our daughter move in with you for a while…. She won’t have much stuff with her… We’ll bring her the winter ones later… Do you have an extra bed or sofa?… You make sure she doesn’t get into bad company and eat well… We don’t know how long, but let her stay… Okay? Do you agree?”
I understand that they decided to put a girl right at my place. But I already know what to answer in such cases, I learned. I answer:
-“Actually, it’s not good. And I do not agree. And you did not forget to ask me? Who’s turning the tables on me again? Have all the other relatives been interviewed about “living indefinitely”? Or is it just me? Or am I the only one living in town and out of all my relatives I have a two bedroom apartment? How much longer can we go on? I’m sick of it already! Rent an apartment or buy a room, after all! In my opinion, I made it clear to everyone last year that I won’t be able to live there. Moreover, I do not even know who you are. Have a nice day!”
I turned off the phone. Really, how much longer? I’m not going to tolerate people in my own apartment who are not members of my family, even if they are relatives. And it doesn’t matter if they are distant or close.
I am entitled to my personal space and privacy and to dispose of my apartment as I see fit. I don’t have to explain anything to anyone.
That reminds me of when: “Hi. Our friends of friends of your no-nonsense distant relatives said that we could stay at your place.
