When times get tough, it’s natural for a daughter to want to support her mother, especially knowing that her mother would have done the same for her. This is the situation Nessa finds herself in. She wishes to invite her sorrowful mother to live with her family, but her husband has set a condition that’s hard to meet.

Nessa shared her dilemma in a heartfelt letter:

“Mom is feeling very sad and lonely because her dad passed away recently. I told her she could come and stay with us, be around her grandchildren, and hopefully feel better. Initially, my husband said no, but then he agreed on the condition that she pays rent. This made me furious because we own our house and don’t have any rent to pay.”

“Your mother is a leech,” he said with a smirk. He believes she’ll never leave once she moves in. He also said, “It doesn’t make sense for her to get everything for free. She will eat our food and use our electricity.” This house is not a hotel, she needs to know that!”

I was very angry. Together with him, I helped buy this house, so we both have equal rights to it. It doesn’t make sense for me to just ask my mom to pay us money.

Still, I have to say that my husband isn’t a bad person. He and his mom never got along. He told me the other night, “Your mom has hated me ever since I met her.” I don’t think she should live with me right now.

I can’t decide between my husband and my mom, who needs my help right now as her only daughter. What should I do?

Yours, Nessa