My daughter-in-laws got the hump with me over the flat, and now shes roped my son in as well.
My sons fallen in with a rather sly young lady who seems to have him dancing to her tune. Lately, shes been turning him against me. According to her, I dont care about their happiness because I only ever think of myself. She came to this conclusion when I refused to swap flats.
My husband passed away a few years ago, and my sons an only child. I raised him single-handedly with plenty of love and care, gave him a good education and what comforts we could manage. Before he got married, he lived with me. He started working while he was still at university, and after he graduated, he landed a decent job right away.
Hes the apple of my eye a bright, well-mannered lad doing splendidly in his career. My husband and I never had pockets deep enough to buy our son his own flat; we always managed on the modest side. Finally managed to buy our own little place when we were in our forties before that, we rented. The means to buy a second property for our son? Didnt exist. But, lets be honest, hes more than capable of sorting out his own home, just as we had to.
When Thomas told me hed started seeing someone, I was genuinely pleased for him. I did everything to get along with my future daughter-in-law never nagged, never interfered. Honestly, I couldnt care less who my future daughter-in-law turned out to be, as long as my boy was happy. At first, I rather liked Emily she was polite as you like and seemed quite down-to-earth. Only after the wedding did I see her true colours.
Straight after the wedding, Thomas and Emily swanned off on honeymoon, and the moment they got back, Emily quit her job. Claimed her boss was always on at her, said she wanted to find something better. That was two years ago and, shockingly, shes shown absolutely no sign of actually looking for work since.
Theyre living in her one-bed flat on the outskirts of Manchester. With Emily at home all day, my son cant exactly afford a new place shes busy spending all their money at hair salons and clothes shops. She might single-handedly be keeping the West End boutiques in business.
I honestly cant fathom how anyone can go two years without securing a single job offer. Frankly, I suspect Emilys putting it on about all those interviews she reckons shes going to. Its rather more likely that she enjoys living it up off Thomas while she can.
One day, I did dare to gently ask if they were planning on having a child.
How can we have a baby when we live in this shoebox of a flat? she snapped.
Well, what if you tried saving a bit towards a deposit? I suggested, ever so helpfully.
We havent got two pennies to rub together, can barely keep up with the bills as it is! Emily scoffed.
I kept my lips zipped, but really, if she bothered to contribute, theyd have enough saved by now! If they showed even a smidgen of effort towards getting their own place, of course Id help. Ive salted away a bit myself just for that purpose. But as it stands, I wont give them a penny, because I know my daughter-in-law will squander it on nonsense.
Recently, Emilys started on about children again, moaning that the biological clock is ticking, and suggesting we all have to think of carrying on the family name. But honestly, how on earth could they bring up a child in such a cramped space? Now Thomas is agreeing with her.
Mum, listen, Emily and I have been thinking why dont you just swap flats with us? No need for anything official, just a straight swap. No more mortgage hassles, and plenty of space for you, he said, as though Id be thrilled.
I was so taken aback, and honestly, hurt. I doubt that was my sons own idea, to be frank. I told him Id be too far from work and besides, you cant just uproot an old tree like that.
Youve only got a few working years left anyway, Emily chimed in, all sweet smiles. Youll have grandchildren to play with soon!
Thank you very much, but no. I had absolutely no desire to vacate my own home for their so-called brilliant proposal.
Since then, Thomas has brought it up a couple more times, getting more and more, frankly, cheeky about it. He never used to try and take advantage of anyone, but now his wifes whispering in his ear, anything goes.
Oh, lets just go, Emily spat when they last visited. Told you your mum doesnt care whether we ever have kids or not! She wouldnt lift a finger to help us.
Since that little encounter, my sons not called me, doesnt answer when I ring, nothing. I just dont get it Thomas isnt daft, but whenever his wifes around, his common sense seems to evaporate.
