I don’t live with people but I had my sister crash over my place once. She was homeless, so I decided to let her stay for awhile, not realizing how much help she needed. She was also disabled, so I had to take care of her, which took the focus off me. I cleaned after her and washed all her clothes and all the linens in the house.
She also had a low income, so I did most of the shopping for both of us. After a while, it became difficult. I told her I needed to let her go back to her shelter. It was hard, and we both cried, so I let her stay longer until the housing people complained. They said she had to leave because her visitation time was up. She was a little uncomfortable and wanted to live with me but accepted it and went on with her life.
I said I felt like my space is important to me, so I was relieved. It was hard allowing others to live with me and I’m hoping I don’t have to do it again. I love my sister but I can’t live with her. I started taking time to focus on myself and my needs. I also took some time to relax, shop for myself, and pay my bills. I no longer could handle it when she was there. I live rent-free, so I did not charge my sister for staying with me. We usually take care of each other — me and my sister —we still see each other every now and again. She alsofinally got her own housing recently. She even found a boyfriend. Now I live alone and free. I love my freedom and independence.
