My Daughter-in-Law Is Upset With Me Over the Apartment and Has Started Turning My Son Against Me

Hey, I need to talk about something that’s been weighing on me lately. My son has fallen in with a rather dodgy girl who just pulls his strings whenever it suits her. Recently, shes started making him turn against me, saying that I dont care about their happiness and that I only think of myself. Shes saying all this basically because I refused to swap my flat with theirs.

My husband passed away a few years ago, and my sons the only child I’ve got. I raised him with all the love and care I could manage and gave him a decent education. Before he got married, he lived with us. He started working even while at university, and he landed a good job pretty much straight after graduation.

Hes honestly my pride and joy. Such a lovely lad, doing well in his career. My husband and I were never able to buy him his own place, we always lived rather modestly. We managed to buy our own flat at forty after years of renting, so buying a second flat for our son was out of reach. But, you know, hes more than capable of getting one for himself, just like we did.

When Harry told me he was seeing someone, I was over the moon. I tried my best to get along with his girlfriend never criticised her or anything. I didn’t care who he married as long as he was genuinely happy. At first, I really liked Emily, she was ever so polite and quietly spoken. But, honestly, after they tied the knot, she completely changed.

Once they got back from their honeymoon, Emily handed in her notice at work. Said her boss was always on her case and she wanted to find a better job. Thing is, shes been sitting at home for two years now, and hasnt lifted a finger to actually try.

Harry and Emily ended up living in her little one-bedroom flat out near the edge of Leeds. With Emily staying at home and spending all Harrys earnings on beauty salons and clothes, he cant afford a new place.

I really cant understand how shes failed to find a job in two years, and if you ask me, shes probably not even bothering with interviews. She just likes lounging around and spending Harrys money.

I asked them once about any plans for children, and Emilys reply was, How can we talk about kids while living in such a tiny space? So I suggested perhaps saving up a bit for a deposit on a mortgage, but she instantly shot me down: Theres no money left over to save, we can hardly keep up with bills as is, Emily said.

I held myself back from pointing out that if she got off her backside and worked, they could have saved something by now. If they were seriously trying to save for a flat, you know, Id help them out Ive actually got some savings put aside. But right now, Im not handing over anything, because I know Emily would fritter it away on nonsense.

Recently, Emilys started nagging about having a baby, saying times ticking and they need to think about an heir, but is it really sensible to raise a child under these circumstances? And now Harrys seeing things her way.

Mum, weve been talking and we cant see why you wont just swap flats with us. We dont need anything legally sorted, just switch homes with us. Youd have enough space, and we wouldnt have to worry about a mortgage, Harry said.

I was really hurt by that. Hed never have come up with this on his own, its all Emilys influence. I told him Id be nowhere near their place enough for that to work, and that, frankly, you cant uproot old trees.

Youve only got a few years left at work, then youll have grandchildren, Emily piped up with a grin.

I turned down their generous offer it felt all wrong to me. Im not leaving my home.

After that, Harry tried to bring up the flat situation a couple more times, and every time it stung even more. Harrys never tried to take advantage of anyone, but now his wifes got him thinking that way.

When they visited last, Emily said, Lets go, Harry. I told you, your mum doesnt care about us having kids. She wouldnt lift a finger for us! And that was the last time they came round.

Since then, Harrys stopped calling, wont answer my messages or ring me back. I just dont understand why hes acting like this. Hes not stupid, but honestly, whenever Emilys around, its like he loses all sense.