When is it time to step in and do something

United States
May 18, 2009 2:00pm CST
Or should I just mind my own business, my mother remarried after my father passed away to a man who I know she loves but he does not work, does not clean the house and does not contribute because every time he gets his Social Security check it is gone (he always loses his wallet conveniently by the casino) my mother is very naive but it is frustrating because her bills are not being paid the utilities and phone is constantly being shut off for non payment and my mother makes pretty good money but she always gives it to him but he is terrible at paying anything other then what he wants. I just love my mom but it is her life what should I do.
4 people like this
10 responses
@abkinsey (173)
• United States
18 May 09
We cannot control other people places or things. The only things we can control are our own actions and reactions. Talk with your Mom and let her know how you feel, but do not try to control her or make her change. She has to decide for herself what she wants out of her life and she will have to be the one to recognize that she deserves more than what this man is offering her. It's hard to watch family members in difficult situations. Unfortunately, while we can encourage them, they are the only ones who can decide to change and seek better circumstances. Hang in there!
1 person likes this
• United States
18 May 09
I know it is just frustrating because I keep telling her that but she is so convicted in her catholic religion It just makes me sad because I wish I could just take care of her so she would not have to work so hard and she talks about getting a second job it just makes me sad
• United States
18 May 09
Very good piont! The only thing you can do is that telling your feeling and talking about the possible solution with your mom!
@lazeebee (5461)
• Malaysia
19 May 09
Hi Angel, it's a difficult situation. You don't want your mum hurt or taken advantage of, but apparently she doesn't feel that way. So if you were to step in - I'm not sure how - you could create some unhappiness. Especially when your mum is happy the way she is now. Maybe you should just watch out for her, and be ready to help her if she should need you.
• United States
21 May 09
That is true, I guess I should not be so quick to jump in. I just feel my mom deserves to be happy with someone that will take care of her instead of her taking care of them.
@jillbeth (2705)
• United States
18 May 09
So your mom "loves" a guy who won't work, won't help out around the house, can't keep the utilities on, and wastes all their money. Personally, I never understood women who would put up with that. Some women think that any man is better than no man, I guess. I don't mean to judge your mom, and I can understand your frustration. If this were my mom, I guess I would wish her the best but hope she came to her senses and realize you can't live on love. It is her life, so I'd just be there to support her if she did wise up and decide to get out of this relationship. Suggest she takes over paying the bills, at least!
• United States
18 May 09
I have tried that I have even offered to help her with a budget but I think he gets upset if she doesnt give him her money I don't know I just wish I had the money to pay all her bills for her and I can't believe he doesn't feel bad for her she is 56 years old
@dropofrain (1167)
• India
19 May 09
I think you need to take serious action against whatever is happening at your home. I think this man is having a good time at your home and just enjoying his life. You should seriously try and do something to save yourself from landing into a major financial crises.
@chillpill90 (1936)
19 May 09
well she is your mum and you want her to be happy and i think you should step in and talk to her and say that you feel he should get a job so he pays his own way if not he should save some of his cheque to help. Because it sounds like he is walking all over your mum you need to make her aware of how you feel and that its her money and she should spend it on herself not him.
@bapbrb (19)
• United States
20 May 09
You might want to suggest to your mother that she seek some counseling. You might want to start the conversation as "Mom, I know that you love ______, but I am concerned over the amount of money that he spends, and your struggle to pay your bills. This shows your consern for her well-being as a loving daughter. Also when I say counseling, I mean it could be something as easy as going to your pastor and asking for his advice on how to handle what is happening. Because this is not just a financial problem, this is a marraige problem, there is a break-down in communication between them. Lets face it,she probably works way to hard to have this constant struggle for money and to pay the bills. There is a book that is really good to read, and this guy has a very Christian outlook on finances, he gives wonderful Bible-based financial advice. His name is Dave Ramsey. Check him out at DaveRamsey.com, you can listen to his show, and even email in for advice His program has helped out my husband and me greatly with our finances. It also sounds to me if he is"loosing" his wallet by a Casino, that maybe there is a gambling problem as well. If you are concerned about this, you can call 1-800-BETS OFF, It asks for the person drivers license # and I think the way it works is it blocks them from going into a casino. It would be worth calling to find out. OF course don't do any of this with out asking your Mothers thoughts on what she feels is right to do for her, and her husband. Also let her know it is because you love her and care for her that you are concerned about her well-being. Hope this helps you out some.
@stahir45 (103)
• Pakistan
19 May 09
Dear Angel, I have read your concern carefully. At the same time I can understand that your mom is very loving, caring and sincere lady. She has a bit more of sense of sacrifice. Evidently she also loves you much. The probems you have mentioned about your step-father are pretty obvious. Since you are pretty mature your persistent on-and-off counselling to your mom may at some day improve the situation. Your step-father may also come to terms some day. I won't recommend your parting ways with your mom so soon for I feel that you have no other precious thing than your mom and there can't be a replacement for that.
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
19 May 09
I can fully understand both sides of this one. I have been that person who was married to a man that never contributed to the household. Luckily, I woke up and realized that I did not want that kind of a life for my and my kids. Now, I am happily married to a hard-working man who helps make sure the bills are paid and we all have what we need. Being where I am now, I can look bak and see how naive I really was. Your mother may be afraid of being alone, and as a result, she holds on to this man even though he is using her; however, you say she has strong Catholic beliefs, which tells me that she is not one that would go for a divorce and she really wants the marriage to work; she will do what she feels is neccessary to make it work. I am sure that there are times when she is really upset and depressed about the whole situation, but her religious beliefs are guiding her to do whatever she thinks is right for her marriage. I can vouch for that, because I was the same way. Now, looking back, I can honestly say that my ex-husband was not going to change, as a matter of fact, he is still doing those things that resulted in our divorce, but now, he has a new wife to do them to. In time, chances are that your Mom will see it too, and maybe, at that point, she will put her foot down. Ideally, she would waske up tomorrow and decide to put her foot down once and for all, but in reality, it will take time. In the meantime, I would tell her how you feel, without trying to force her to make any changes. You will probably have to repeat yourself mant times before she listens, if she ever does. You could suggest to her that she become the person responsible for paying the bills, creating a budget, and seeing that the budget is stuck to. It may help her to know that you see the problem. In the end, it is her choice on how to deal with the situation, and your job to stand by her side.
@rocketsky (1013)
• China
19 May 09
sometime we dont have any choice communicating with our parents ,from certain point ,we dont need to take it too seriously, at the end of the day ,theyare our parents ,we dont have choice .
@Morpher (76)
• Indonesia
19 May 09
My husband got experienced almost like as u. My husband`s father does like to gamble and does not like to work. And his father does not like see other people have alot money and if his father dont have money, his father always find fault of other people to angry. Fortunately, my husband`s mother is resilient and independent. She can work and save extents money into the Bank, coz she`s scared her husband will spent the money in the Casino. I`m so admiration with my husband`s mother, she can solve her problem self.