Should I be upset at my familly for this?

@thyst07 (2079)
United States
March 5, 2007 3:12pm CST
I came home from college today to do some laundry, and found my room TRASHED. My sister took my bed out of my room and put it in hers, and also took the storage unit that my boyfriend loaned me to keep my stuff in. All the stuff that was in the storage unit was just tossed carelessly all over the floor- including a several-hundred-dollar violin in its case (which is not very sturdy). My parents obviously know about it, and didn't do anything to stop it. To me, it looks like a signal that says "we don't want you here anymore. This isn't your space." Do you think I have a right to be upset, and what should I do? I've got my school apartment 'til end of semester, but after that I can't afford my own place for the summer.
17 people like this
59 responses
5 Mar 07
Sorry hun but to me this would be a gross invasion of my privacy and way out of line by your sister. At the very least you need to get your stuff back and your room tidied up again. What did your parents say? Did they actually try to intervene or did your sister just decide to trash your room anyway.
2 people like this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
5 Mar 07
I've already packed up most of the stuff I can take with me and put it in my car. I don't have anywhere at my college place to put it, but I figure my car is safer than my house, right now.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
I guess it's part of Western culture to kick you out of the family home when you reach the age of 18. Still, you deserved the courtesy of being asked or at least informed about your stuff. You've done the right thing, get as much of your stuff as you can, especially those that you value. Because next time you come back, they may all be gone! There's nothing wrong if you want to talk to them about it. They might actually have a good explanation.
1 person likes this
@5000ml (1923)
• Belgium
6 Mar 07
No, it's not part of Western culture. In fact nowadays kids stay living with their parents far past the age of 18.
1 person likes this
@SageMother (2277)
• United States
5 Mar 07
Sounds like you need to sit down with your whole family and find out what is going on. It will give you a chance to see if they even knew about your sister's stealing your things and you can figure out what their feelings really are. It will be better than you trying to figure out things on your own. If you feel that you need to live elsewhere for the summer then I don't think it would be unreasonable for you to ask for help from your parents since they probably knew you would be home for the summer.
2 people like this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
5 Mar 07
I can't really ask for help. I'm 20, and they expect me to be fully self-supporting. Plus, my dad is having back surgery in a month, and money is tight for them.
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
20 Mar 07
Have you talked to your parents about this? I am really sorry that you are feeling that it is sending a message that it is not your space anymore. Maybe your parents do not realize the extent of what your sibling did. I know that I have a few children getting ready to go off to college soon also. But I also have four more children that are just in elementary...so, my older children know that they are welcome to stay here while they are going to college. But if one of my kids did such a thing...I would understand you being upset. But at the same time, if one of the younger children did this and I did not know the extend that the child made...I would be upset too. Maybe the sibling told your parents that you said it was ok to take your bed. Maybe your sibling is going through the "me-me" phase and just needs to be sat down and explained that you are still very much part of the house. I hope that you get this worked out!!! hang in there sweetie!
1 person likes this
@rsmith512 (1561)
• United States
21 Mar 07
Great points! Maybe your parents did not know the extent of what your sister did. I bet if they have been supportive enough to help you out with a living area, then they would have talked if something was wrong. I think that you really need to just talk to your parents and explain how you feel! I hope that everything works out as well!!! :D
• Egypt
6 Mar 07
I want you not to be upset with your family, please be calm!.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Is that a personal request, or an order?
• Canada
6 Mar 07
Yes, you should be upset. I left home several years ago, for work, and things start to become very weird. My room at home is full of books, sheets, etc... and once my mom decided to put everything in a box so the room could be more clean... like if my books where dirty or something.. Whatever!!! When you leave home, for your parents, it's mean that you don't live their anymore and your room is their room, it's not your room anymore. I don't feel great by going at home because all my old stuff where place in boxs, so I don't go very often now. In my closet, I don't have a violin, I have a clarinet, it's still there. I told them to put nothing under it, but shezessssssss, by old one are like too D*** to understand whatever I want them to understand. And I so damn scare to go home, and find out they put a box or something under the case of my clarinet. Live is a living hell!
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
It is so worrisome when you have to leave your things behind with people who you don't know will take care of them properly.
• Canada
6 Mar 07
Yeah, it's pretty bad, but I just try to not think about it.
1 person likes this
@liranlgo (5752)
• Israel
6 Mar 07
sure you shoud be angry about this and i am not sure your parents knew bout all this maybe yer sister told them she is bowerring somthing from your room and they didn't relize she was re-organizing it..lol don't think you are not welcome at yer house..i am sure we all had those incidents..i know i did if i was you i would go to my sister and shout at her for about 15 minutes till she comes to her senses and understand what she did and that she would not dare touch your room again with out your premmission..and don't look for another appartment for the summer vacation..if there is a problem let yer sister lok for an appartment..lol:)
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
My sister is fifteen. She can't look for an apartment. And I don't really want to live at home this summer. I didn't really want to even before this happened. I don't even have a proper room with a door...just a space in the basement, with uncovered insulation all over the place. Who would want to live with that?
@DavidReedy (2378)
• United States
6 Mar 07
You have every right in the world to be upset. They should not have disrespected your things like that. When I came back from college I discovered that my room had been rearranged--my brother had moved in to it. But at least most of my possessions were in tact. My suggestion? Start looking for a job when summer hits, get your own place, don't ask your family for any more favors, and if they ask you for any--give them the bird.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I've already got a job. It just doesn't pay enough for living expenses in this city, and jobs here are pretty hard to find.
@wmaharper (2316)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Well, I would definently talk to them, and at least try to be heard. IF they won't listen, then at least you tried. Other than that, I would start looking for another place to crash for the summer, maybe it would make them realize you were serious about it. Is there anyway you could stay with your grandparents again? I think you have every right to be upset. How old is your sister? Old enough to know better? I'm sorry this has happened to you. GIve your parents a chance though, they may surprise you, and if not, at least you tried eh?
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
My sister's 15. Definitely old enough to know better. And I can't stay with my grandparents. After I moved out, they moved into a little trailer with only room for the two of them. Plus, I can't afford another out-of-state move.
@phayeth (519)
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
u know gurl.. they should care about it.. co'z ur parents know that those things belongs to u... even if ur didn't with them before.. its not an "adjustment issue"co'z its not just u who will adjust but also them..
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
That's exactly it. I'm not the only one who should be expected to adjust- they should adjust to me, too. It's completely unfair.
• United States
6 Mar 07
It's normal to feel upset, but the best thing to do is to talk to them calmly and find out what is going on? How old are you? If you are under 18 then they shouldn't be doing this to you. I hope you guys figure it out. Maybe it's time to get a part time job and start helping around the house.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Why does it make a difference how old I am? Does being over 18 negate my right to have my things respected by my family?
@astromama (1221)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I would be very upset! Especially that your sister took the storage unit YOUR boyfriend loaned you. I mean, I expect sisters to borrow things without asking, but borrowing something that isn't even yours that YOU had borrowed would really disturb me. What did you say to your sister? I would have a talk with your parents letting them know that you not only feel like your privacy was invaded, but that you really value being able to store your things there while you are away, and that you would appreciate it if they could leave them alone. Could you get a roommate over the summer or maybe work more hours so you could afford your own place? I don't know how comfortable I would living at home after something like that.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
My boyfriend was really upset about it too- he loaned me that thing so that my things wouldn't have to sit all over the floor...and now they're back all over the floor. I wasn't able to talk to my sister, because she wasn't home. I did talk to my dad, who said he realized she had borrowed things but didn't realize how much damage she had caused. I don't know if he'll do anything about it or not.
@NatureBoy (493)
• Singapore
6 Mar 07
Have a good talk about it with your family, yes the whole family. Find out what is going on. Of course you don't start the conversation with "what are my things doing tossed all over the room?" Start off with something like "Hey guys, I'm finishing the semester soon and will soon be moving back, what do you think?" on a softer pitch. Talk things through but in the process do not get angry or defensive. Remember the whole point of the talk is to fact find, and also to get things working your way. You will need the place to stay, so eat your humble pie. Treat it as your first lesson in interpersonal skills that will need to show some really great results.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I don't eat humble pie. Ever. Especially when I'm right.
@djaboo32 (45)
• United States
6 Mar 07
You have aright to be upset, however, consider it an induction into adulthood! I have younger sisters and when I moved out Most of my things mysteriously showed up in thier rooms and wardrobes. My mom was not concerned about it. I took it upon myself to avenge my belongigns ans set about making a way to move into my own place- Getting a JOb, rentng a small studio apt) I am not sure what your family's understanding was when you left- but don't feel that this is some mean/strange occurence- it happens more often than not- I know for sure- when my girls leave I am going to make full use of thier rooms- and I will be sure that they know of my plans!- Not that they won't ne welcome but it is a little push to become more independent and responsible. I don't want them wandering home because it so comfortable- I want them to get out and explore the world and become responsible adults.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I get what you're saying, but it's not like she just borrowed some of my things- she threw most of my belongings all over the floor in a huge mess. Most of them got really dirty, some were damaged, and my violin could very well have been broken. That's an entirely different matter than her just putting some of my things in her room.
• United States
6 Mar 07
Yes you should be upset but also look at it as a way to become independent and not move backwards by moving in with your parents during the summer. I stayed in university apartments during the summer so its possible.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I can't afford my university apartment over the summer. My university's prices are insane. I'd have to take out more student loans, and I don't want to go further in debt.
@rsmith512 (1561)
• United States
21 Mar 07
Awww...I am very sorry that all of your things were carelessly tossed everywhere, and your sister took your bed. I know I will be off the college soon, and I would be very hurt if that happened. So, yes I think you have the right to be upset! Maybe you need to sit down and talk with your parents and your sister...that could help. It's worth a try!! I hope that everything works out alright. :)
1 person likes this
@laurabeth (145)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I would be very upset. It is one thing if they need the space to ask you to pack things up and store them or something but that is bad. I would be upset!
1 person likes this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
6 Mar 07
with going to college, you have effectively left home, all you can do now is ask if it is ok for you to stay there until you can aford a place of your own, blessed be
1 person likes this
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
5 Mar 07
Bless your heart. A frind of mine converted her daughters room into a library when he daugher went away to college. Like you, The daugher was hurt. My frind came to my home crying because she had hurt her daughers feelings when she did not mean too. As a result of my friends actions, I swore that I would not change either of my daughters rooms till they were married and truely on their ownBoth my daughers are married now and on their own but I still have not changed their rooms. I imagine that your parents told your siste that she could have your room after much complaining and begging from your sister. Your parents probably did not mean to hurt your feels. Parents are human too and we make mistakes just like our kids do. If you dont forgive them for hurting your feelings, you will continue to be bitter and that is not a good thing. Hurt feelings can lead to hate if you dont do something about it now. I know this must rally be hard. I am sure that your parents love you very much. They probably did not realize that your feelings would be this hurt.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
5 Mar 07
From the way things look...I don't think my sister had permission. I think she just did it, and they haven't said anything about it. They could have at least asked her to clean up the mess.
@nicolec (2671)
• United States
5 Mar 07
Yes I would suppose this situation just stinks. But after reading your other post about being the 'new' one in the family and 'adjustment issues' it seems that there is a larger issue going on here. Are your grandparents still around? Can they help mediate the situation. I would nip this in the bud. I would tell your entire family that even if you are the 'new' one you are still a human being and they need to adjust to respecting that. No one deserves to be treated that way. This is not a conversation. This is a demand, sort of, but don't put it that way. At 20, there is no reason why you can't find a room mate and get a job for the summer. Actually, that's total freedom and independance and you might just be better off for it.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
5 Mar 07
I already have a job, but I also have car payments. I don't make enough in a month to make the car payment and pay for an apartment. I wish I could just get rid of the car, but I can't. This city's public transportation SUCKS, and I don't have any friends who could drive me around. The cost of living is pretty high here, and it's not easy to find high-paying jobs when you're a college student without many recommendations. My grandparents live in Florida. I live in Colorado. Not much mediation going to happen there.
@Myrrdin (3599)
• Canada
5 Mar 07
You need to talk to them.... it was definately wrong for your sister to do this. I know you said in another reply that letting things go is easier then talking to them, but that doesn't help matters. In the long run your better to fight it out then let your sister walk all over you. If your family knew you were coming back and didn't object they basically agreed that that room remained yours until further notice. Your sister had no right to do that.
1 person likes this
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
5 Mar 07
Thanks. I'll do what I can to get my concerns across.