Im so used to this situation now that nothing surprises me anymore. Let me explain how its possible that there are five properties in the family, yet my wife and I still have to rent.
My wifes parents own their house, and they have two other flats in different parts of London, both of which they rent out. They always smile as they tell us that they worked hard for everything they own, and they expect us to do the same. It seems they dont realise that, in years gone by, people could be allocated council homes or get a flat by working at, say, a factory. These days, saving up for your own home while also paying rent is nearly impossible.
To be fair, my own parents arent all that different from my in-laws. When my grandmother passed away, she left her flat to me, but I was still a child at the time. So, until I reached eighteen, my parents decided theyd rent out my nans flat. Now Im an adult, but my parents have grown to love that monthly income so much that they refuse to let me move in.
For years now, my wife and I have been renting a tiny one-bedroom flat, spending almost everything we earn on it. There were times when we barely had enough left for food. My wife is currently on maternity leave. Her wage was never much, but before the baby arrived, we somehow managed to keep afloat. I work two jobs trying to make ends meet. The trouble is, these days, making good money means having a good education, which I dont have. After school, I joined the army straight away and soon after met my wife, so university wasnt ever on the cards.
Its incredibly frustrating that my mum asks me almost weekly to help her pick out a new dress or blouse when I struggle to afford vitamins and fruit. Shes always telling us to be independent and support ourselves financially. She even thinks we ought to help her and Dad out because they want to travel the world and enjoy life.
Honestly, I cant stand the attitude of both sets of parents. Theyve got more than enough, yet wont lift a finger to help their own children. Im not saying they should go without themselves, but if theyre able to help, why not? I cant wrap my head around how anyone could be so stingy with their own family. One things for sureIll be there for my kids when they need me, and Ill always make sure theyre provided for.
Friends keep telling us that one day well inherit a fortune, but frankly, Im so fed up with it all that I dont want anything from them anymore. They can take those flats and houses with them to the grave for all I care.
