Why do my retired, miserable, and broke parents feel entitled to move in with me?
By Amy Dickinson
Dear Amy: My parents were absentee grandparents, despite my longing for more.
For many years and on several occasions, I tearfully asked my mother why they ultimately favored my sibling’s children over my own.
We all live in the same town.
The answer I got implied that my folks had provided some financial assistance to my sibling at some point and that because of that, they were entitled to special grandparent treatment.
My parents basically said that I don’t have a right to tell them what to do or not to do. I respect that, despite the fact that I didn’t like that answer at all – then or now.
Now they are retired and miserable and broke.
My mom has more than hinted on several occasions that she plans to move in with me if my dad passes away before her. They never planned for retirement financially.
Why does she feel entitled? Should I feel obligated to help? Why would this responsibility fall solely on me?
I feel like telling her that they cannot tell me what I can or cannot do in much the same way they told me.
Please share your opinion with me. I have no idea how to tackle the subject with them or my siblings, even though the topic keeps coming up again and again.
– Stung Daughter
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