Dear Christine,
My wife and I have been together for 13 years and we have three children. I work very hard to take care of my family.
Just before Christmas my wife’s brother and sister came from one of the islands for a holiday. Three months have passed, going on four, and nobody is talking about going back.
Instead, all they are doing is filling up the house with their friends who keep plenty of noise.
I asked them how long they intend to be here and they tell me to keep cool. Christine, I am boiling to the point where I feel like putting their suitcases at the side of the road or driving them to the airport and leave them there for them to collect.
When I come home from work and try to relax in the comfort of my own bedroom, they are there. Sometimes I walk past the house when I see them inside and then my wife says I do not like her family.
The truth is, I don’t – not right now. I had no problems with them staying for the holidays, but it’s almost Christmas again and they are still around.
What can a man do?
– Thomas
Dear Thomas,
A man’s home should be his castle – where he can do what he wants, when he wants, as he wants. Clearly, you’re not the king of your own home, and that’s not right.
I am even surprised that your wife would defend her family, seeing the situation you’re in.
It is very difficult to throw relatives out of your home. The way I see it, you never know when you’ll be forced into staying with them.
However, you must not be afraid to speak up. Do so, but in a proper manner.
Let them know they did not say how long they were going to be staying in your home, and ask them to leave by a certain date. You decide when that date will be.
Try to point out to your wife the advantage they are taking of all of you. I hope she would see the wisdom in your judgement. After all, it is for her and the children’s sake that you’ll be getting rid of those squatters.
Let them know the holiday has come to an end.
– CHRISTINE