My mom has been living alone in a two bedroom apartment since my dad died. It’s close to the center of town. She doesn’t have to pay for it because of her benefits.
Her pension is high, so she supports herself just fine on her own. She doesn’t help us in any way, and she doesn’t look after our children either. She sees them occasionally – from holiday to holiday. And she’s not burning with the desire to help or visit. My husband and I rent an apartment on the outskirts of town, where we live with our two minor children. We can barely keep up with all of our expenses. The kids go to school downtown, we also work close to school, and we have to wake up at 6 a.m. to keep up.
The drive is tiring, but there is no other way. For rent in the city center we can not afford. And when we were already very tight to live, I decided to ask my mother. I went to her alone, well, to talk. And I started the conversation from afar. I asked her how she was, how she was doing, could she cope with everything? Well, she told me that she wasn’t complaining. And I said to her: “Mom, aren’t you bored living here alone in such a big apartment?
-What are you trying to tell me? – She looked at me suspiciously, waiting for an answer.
-Well, I would like to suggest that we move in with you. The school and the work will be closer to us, and I will help you at home to do everything. My husband will do all the men’s work in the house.
And she answered me immediately and unambiguously: “Don’t even dream of it! I’m not at an age to live with somebody. You’re adults, you can handle yourself without me. And I need peace and quiet.
I called her selfish and walked out, slamming the door. We haven’t spoken in two weeks. Should I call her or not?
