A concerned wife recently turned to Reddit to share her family dilemma and seek advice on a situation that has been causing tension between her and her stepdaughter, Trudi.
The OP explained that Trudi moved in with her and her husband when she faced financial difficulties. While the OP understood the need for help, she found it challenging to cope with the mess caused by Trudi and her children.
The OP and her husband got married when Trudi was 22 years old, and she is now 36. Throughout their relationship, things have been somewhat turbulent, as Trudi had her own mother and was a responsible adult living independently. However, unforeseen circumstances led them to live under the same roof.
Living in a high tourist area, the OP had retained her old apartment for short-term rentals. When Trudi and her family needed support, they agreed that Trudi would move into the vacant apartment after the holidays.
The plan was for Trudi’s family to sign a lease, but no rent would be collected initially, allowing them to build up rental history and save money.
However, living with Trudi has proven to be quite challenging for the OP. She has noticed that Trudi doesn’t clean up after herself or her children. In contrast, Trudi’s husband puts in more effort to keep the house clean, even when he is exhausted from working long hours.
The OP wonders if her reaction to the messy living situation is justified. She is seeking guidance on how to address this delicate situation without further straining their relationship.