Oh, Im fed up! I almost shouted at my sisterinlaw, but I held back. And there she was again, returning with her weekend suitcase
Youre driving me crazy! I nearly yelled at my husbands sister. I clenched my teeth. And she, in response, showed up once more with her weekend bag
My name is Élodie, Im thirtynine, and Ive been married to Thibault for twelve years. We have a fairly solid family, our son is growing up, everything seems fine. Yet a single but has been poisoning my life for years: his sister, Juliette.
Juliette is eight years older than Thibault. She has never married and has no children. She lives alone in the house opposite us and in fact, she also lives with us. Im not exaggerating. She appears in our apartment like a shadowquiet, persistent, every single day. Sometimes I swear she has an endless supply of keys to our building.
At first I tried to be polite, even friendly. After all, shes my husbands sister, family. I told myself she would drop by, chat, have a cup of tea and leave. But she came every evening. And on weekends. And during our vacations. Even when we had other guests. When I was ill, she was there.
Juliette knows no boundaries. She comments on everything: my cooking, our sons upbringing, the way I dress. Youre too quiet, You laugh too loudly, Your cake is too dry, The apartment is a mess. She doesnt ask, she demands. And I endure it because I hate confrontation. Because Thibault tells me, Élodie, make an effort, shes alone, were all she has.
I waited. But patience has its limits.
Juliette works as an accountant for a private firm. She finishes work before me and comes straight to our place. I get homeshes already settled on the couch, the TV on, the cat tucked under the bed, my son glued to his phone, and she behaves as if she owns the place. Dinner is waiting for her, or I have to wait for her to vacate the bathroom. She eats with us, then spends hours recounting her adventures with tax authorities that no one listens to. Then she leaves. Occasionally she stays overnight because she is scared of thunderstorms or her heating doesnt work well.
When we planned a getaway, Juliette showed up with us. It didnt matter that I dreamed of a romantic weekend, or that Thibault had promised a seaside escape for my birthday. Juliette was there, in the hotel room, under the same roof, all paid for by Thibault. She earns a good salary, saves for hard times, as she says. Apparently, the hard time is me.
Thibaults mother thinks Im ungrateful. Juliette isnt a stranger; shes alone and needs us, she says. I understand she has no husband or children, but why should I sacrifice my own comfort?
One day I finally told Thibault:
Ive had enough. She crosses every line. Shes everywhere. Its unbearable!
He shrugged:
What can I do? Shes my sister
Recently it reached a breaking point. We went to the theatre, just the two of us. I had insisted on that night. A friend was looking after our son. No sooner had we settled into our seats than the phone rang. Juliette.
Where are you? Why didnt you invite me? Do you want to erase me from your life? she screamed over the line.
Two days later she returned, suitcase in hand, nightgown on, her favorite series bookmarked. My weekend is free, Ive decided to spend it with you, she announced.
I stood in the kitchen, hands clenched on the table edge, holding back a scream. I stayed silent, but something inside me cracked.
I dont know how to tell Thibault that I cant take it any longer, that I need a home without a third adult, without constant advice, without drama, without Juliette.
And I fear that if nothing changes, Ill have to leave to catch my breath. Because even love cant survive when another life wedges itself between you and your husbandtoo loud, too invasive, too foreign.
Today Ive realized one thing: you cant build happiness on silence. Boundaries must be set, even with family, because no one should be trapped by forced generosity.
Oh, What A Frustration!” I Almost Yelled at My Sister-in-Law, But Held My Tongue. And Here She Comes Again with Her Suitcase for the Weekend…
