When my brother-in-law Mason asked to stay with us “just for a week,” I didn’t think twice. He was family, going through a rough patch after losing his job and a recent breakup. My husband, Asher, was worried about him and asked me to help out. I agreed, expecting a short visit. But that one week quickly turned into months of chaos.
Mason made himself at home in all the worst ways. He left dishes everywhere, laundry in the living room, and empty beer cans on the floor. He didn’t work, didn’t help with chores, and treated our house like his personal crash pad. I tried to be patient family helps family, right? But after six long months, I’d had enough. I asked Asher to talk to him. He felt guilty and avoided confrontation, so nothing changed.
Then, I found out I was pregnant a moment that should have brought joy. Instead, I was consumed with worry about raising a baby in this mess. When I told Mason, he laughed and joked about the baby waking him up in “his” living room. That was it. I reached out to their mom, Maggie, and begged for help. She agreed to take Mason in, and I finally felt hopeful.
But just two weeks later, they came back together. Maggie said they’d rented out her house and planned to stay with us “until the baby comes.” She offered to help, and Mason promised to stay out of the way, but I was stunned. Now both are living here, and I feel completely overwhelmed. I don’t know how to set boundaries without breaking my marriage. I need help before this situation destroys my peace and my family.