After my wife passed away in 2022, I found myself in an impossible situation with her three adult children. Despite being in their lives for over a decade, they never accepted me as family. Their father had moved abroad, and my late wife and I had supported them by letting them live rent-free in our home—a kindness I extended even after she was gone.
At first, I didn’t mind helping. The youngest was still in school, and the other two had jobs. But things quickly changed. They stopped contributing entirely—no chores, no respect for the house. I was left cleaning up after them, even hiring help because they refused to lift a finger. It felt like I was running a hotel for ungrateful guests.
Enough was enough. I decided to sell the house, knowing the profit could set me up comfortably elsewhere. I gave each of them $10,000—far more than most get when moving out—and made it clear they needed to leave.
Their reaction? Outrage. Suddenly, it was their home, even though they’d treated it like a crash pad. They pooled their money and rented an apartment, but I doubt they’ll manage their finances well.
Some say I was too harsh. Others say I was more than fair. All I know is this: I gave them time, money, and chances. They chose not to take responsibility. Now, I’m reclaiming my life.
