After years of diligent saving, my husband John and I finally achieved our dream of buying our first apartment. It was a moment of joy and pride for us. But that happiness was overshadowed when my mother-in-law paid us a visit and said something we could hardly believe.
John and I have been married for almost five years. During that time, my mother-in-law lived with John’s older brother, James, his wife, and their two kids. From the beginning, John and I knew we didn’t want to impose on anyone, so we focused on saving for our own place instead of starting a family right away.
It took four years of hard work and determination to save enough for a down payment. My parents were a constant source of support throughout this time. They not only encouraged us but also found ways to help us financially. In the end, it was their unexpected generosity that made our dream a reality.
My grandmother had been living alone, which became increasingly difficult for her. My parents decided to sell her condo and move her in with them. To our surprise, they gave us the proceeds from the sale, ensuring we didn’t need a mortgage. With that money combined with our savings, we were able to purchase a beautiful two-bedroom apartment.
Six months later, we had finally settled in and were celebrating this milestone in our own space. That evening, my mother-in-law revealed a surprising expectation. She told us, “Now that you’ve bought your apartment and received help, it’s your turn to help me.” Her words left us stunned.
John didn’t hold back. He firmly told her, “We owe nothing to anyone but my wife’s parents, who supported us throughout this journey. My brother has had years to change his situation, and it’s his responsibility to manage his life. As long as he stays out of ours, I’m fine.”
My mother-in-law tried to garner sympathy by mentioning James’s kids and their lack of housing, but John didn’t waver. Eventually, she left our home, visibly upset. After discussing it further, John and I decided not to dwell on the matter. We were focused on our future, especially with the exciting news that we were expecting our first child.
