Single Mom Set To Become Homeless As Friend Draws The Line After Six Months Of Free Accommodation

“I’m sorry, but did you plan to stay with me forever?!”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• January 28, 2024

Losing a spouse is one of the most brutal challenges life can throw at anyone. Apart from the emotional punches, considerable shifts in lifestyle and finance are inevitable, and our narrator (Original Poster) knew this all too well.

OP was a widow with three young children. Their cozy three-bedroom made up with charm what it lacked in size—but it was undoubtedly too small for this family of four.  

Enter the pivotal character in this story, Trish – a friend in need with no place to go. Since OP had a renovated garage space, she graciously opened her doors to Trish and her two kids.

She, however, stated her intentions of not renewing the lease. But Trish was welcome to stay till OP gathered enough to buy a new home.

Six months went by in a flash, and much to OP’s alarm, Trish still had zero savings and no job. OP rang it loud that she’d already begun putting in offers on houses, but Trish surprisingly seemed unbothered.

Last Friday saw the climax of months of anticipation—OP’s offer on a home was finally accepted. Turns out that Trish expected she’d be tagging along to the new home, but OP quickly set the record straight—the new house had no place for Trish’s family. 

She was visibly shocked at this ‘unexpected’ announcement and began placing frantic last-minute calls to family, but no one seemed to have a place for her. 

Without a safety net, Trish was now on the brink of homelessness. She accused OP of turning her back on her, but was OP really to blame in this situation?

Let’s dig into the details

OP has been housing her friend, Trish, the woman’s two kids for about 6 months now

Recently, OP informed Trish that she would be moving out to a bigger place. And from all indications, OP has no intention of taking Trish with her

Trish is now accusing OP of abandoning her and her kids

OP came back with an update

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“She is not working, and she is not planning to work - her plan is to exploit YOU.”

“Trish is not your friend, she is angling to be your dependent - trailing her two kids with her.”

“NTA. Don’t let her guilt trip you. Your kids need space and privacy to grow.“

“This person is honestly not your friend. Think of yourself and your children first because Trish sure isn’t going to do so.”

“She’ll try to use guilt, begging and the single mom card to get a key to your new place.”

“You told her your intentions to move when she started living with you, so she had a full 6 months to start planning!”

To Redditors, this was a clear-cut case of exploitation. OP’s six months of goodwill was more than commendable, but a line must be drawn. 

The jury’s keen eyes spotted a concerning trend—Trish's lack of initiative in finding employment and growing dependency on OP for housing.

The consensus? OP couldn’t be her safety net forever. Boundaries had to be set immediately before the pattern became a long-term burden.

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

Jesse