It pays to remain strong on key issues
Q. I hope you can settle a conflict I have had with my boyfriend of almost nine years. One of his adult children has a wife and two children. He wants them to go on vacations with us. The problem is that they are extremely messy.
My boyfriend agrees they are extremely messy but will not talk with them about it, and I cannot deal with their mess – which always goes from one end of the unit to the other, both inside and outside. When they use something, they just leave it wherever, including dirty dishes with food still on them. They are perfectly capable.
It stresses me out, but I stay strong and refuse to be their maid.
I have given my boyfriend a condition: He needs to talk with them about keeping our common areas picked up, or I will not be joining them. What should I do? Please help soon, as summer is approaching. – No Mess, Please
A. This situation is stickier than a dirty spoon. This is your vacation, and you shouldn’t be acting as the take-along housekeeper. Yet as Grandpa’s girlfriend, it’s awkward for you to set down rules for his family.
This really is your boyfriend’s mess to clean up. He should absolutely talk to his son and grandchildren about tidying up. Stay strong. If he refuses to talk to them, treat yourself to a peaceful vacation on your own.
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