My son‑in‑law says I won’t see my daughter unless I sell my mother’s house.

Ive spent about half my life running the show solo.No, I was married once, but my husband packed his bags a year after the wedding. Id just brought my little girl, Emily, into the world. In the end, Peter that was his name left us a threebedroom flat in Manchester, which at least gave us a roof over our heads. I wasnt about to get hitched again and frankly, I wasnt exactly the marryingtype either. Emily was growing up, and it was my job to get her onto her own two feet. In short, I was drowning in chores and responsibilities.

I knew I was giving it my all, but I could feel Emily missing a fathers steady shoulder. I couldnt add that now, so as time went on she started clinging to every bloke she chatted up or dated. Not everyone appreciated her clingy enthusiasm. I found myself soothing a brokenhearted daughter more often than Id like to admit. Still, the Good Lord works in mysterious ways, and eventually Emily met a decent fellow.

Daniel was a proper gentleman hardworking, kind, and I was only interested in the fact that hed marry Emily. He treated both me and my daughter with respect. What more could a mother ask for? I dubbed him the ideal soninlaw. Of course, fairytale endings are rarely that tidy. Six months into their marriage, Daniel began to change.

Meanwhile, I was looking after my own mum, Joan, who was still with us. Shed had me early, just as Id had Emily, so shed even got to meet her granddaughter. Then, all of a sudden, mum fell ill. Fatigue took hold, and I had to bring the elderly lady into my flat and tend to her round the clock. There was nowhere else for her to go, so she moved in with me. Daniel, however, was less than thrilled by the arrangement.

I have no idea what set him off. I never forced him to look after mum; all the caregiving fell on my shoulders. Joan wasnt exactly high maintenance, mind you. I cant fathom what bothered him so much.

Things only went downhill from there. Emily sided with Daniel, and the two of them started avoiding me. We used to eat together at the same table; now the kids retreat to their bedroom and shut the door. I tried to talk, but Emily just gives me the silent treatment and a string of excuses.

The grandchildren arent any help either. They tell me theyre “living for themselves” and that theyll sort things out when theyre ready. I pushed at first, then gave up its their business. Still, Daniel began to act like the master of the house, even though he never lifted a finger to fix a leak or buy a new kettle. He spent more evenings disappearing with friends to the local pubs. I cant recognise the charming soninlaw I once knew.

It appears the real Daniel has finally shown his colour.

Every week he became more unbearable. Then NewYears came, and Daniel refused to celebrate with us. He whisked Emily off to their bedroom and they rang in the night without a word to us. At midnight, Emily popped round to wish us well, and her husband didnt even bother to stick his nose out the door.

The next day he announced, Were selling your mums house and buying our own flat. I was speechless. Weve been living here for six months on my dime is that not enough? I snapped.

No, I dont think so, I retorted. Earn yourself a flat. This is my mothers home; were not selling it. Its her property and shell decide what to do with it. I was livid.

That seemed to push Daniel over the edge. He packed his things, grabbed Emily, and jetted off to his parents place.

It was sad that Emily didnt argue at all, but its her life. If she thinks shell be happier with him, let her be.

Did I do the right thing?

What would you have done in my shoes?

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