Youve got no heart. Cant you see how much Daniels struggling? Hes your own brotheryou couldve helped him. You only ever think of yourself.
My mum rang me the other day and told me to clear out all my things from her flat.
We can barely move in here with all your clutter, she said.
This came right after I refused to give my brother, Daniel, money for a deposit on a house. Yes, *give*, not lendbecause I know full well hed never pay me back.
When I said no, Daniel stormed out of my place, furious. He honestly thought Id just hand over my savings because hes got a wife and kids, and I dont.
I need to get this off my chest because it feels like my familys being unfair, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
When I first moved to Manchester for uni, I started working part-time straight away.
I lived in halls at first, then shared a flat with a mate. I didnt want to rely on my parents, so I worked hardnot just to support myself, but to help Mum out too.
She never outright asked for money, but shed always drop hintscould I bring back some new clothes, shoes, bits for the house?
And as for food, I never turned up empty-handed.
Mum lives in a three-bed flat with Daniel. Our dad passed away three years ago.
My brother never cared much for studying. After school, he went to work in Scotland, but all he had to show for it was a beat-up car. When he came back, he started driving a cab.
Then he got married and moved his wife, Sophie, into Mums place.
Money was always tight because Daniel lived paycheque to paycheque. The second he and Sophie got paid, it was gone.
Both Mum and Sophies parents bailed them out constantly. Daniel knew someone would always step in, so he never bothered earning more or sorting his finances.
Now, Daniel and Sophie have two kids, with a third on the way.
They decided Mums flat was too cramped and started looking to buy their own.
Meanwhile, I rent a flat with my boyfriend, James. Were planning to marry but waiting for the right time. Were doing alrightJames is a software engineer, and I run a few online shops.
We dont splash out on nonsense; were saving for our own place so weve got somewhere to live after the wedding.
Mum knew our plans, but she still nudged Daniel to ask me for help.
They want to buy a house but havent got the deposit, Mum told me.
When Daniel turned up and flat-out demanded money, I said no.
He lost it. He reckoned I owed him simply because hes got a family and I dont.
Later, Mum called and said:
Youve got no heart. Cant you see how much Daniels struggling? Hes your own brotheryou couldve helped him. You only ever think of yourself.
Then she added:
Come get your things from the flat. Were tripping over your junk. And dont bother coming for Christmas. Daniels livid, and Im not fussed about seeing you either.
I didnt argue. Ill pick up my stuff and squeeze it into my rented place. When James and I buy our home, Ill move it there.
I *couldve* lent Daniel the money, but I know Id never see it again. And he didnt even ask for a loanhe just expected me to hand it over.
All because hes got kids
How would you deal with something like this?
