WIBTA If I kick my brother and his wife out even though I know they can’t support themselves and their newborn baby?
Picture a cramped living room, where a fold-out couch doubles as a makeshift home for a young couple and their newborn. The air’s thick with tension as promises of “just a few months” stretch into a year of excuses. This Reddit drama unfolds in a young couple’s home, where a 23-year-old man grapples with his brother’s freeloading ways. From jobless days to a cuss-filled outburst, the situation’s gone from generous hospitality to a ticking eviction clock.
What makes this tale sting is the newborn caught in the middle—a tiny life dependent on parents who can’t seem to step up. The OP’s frustration, shared by his fed-up wife, mirrors the exhaustion of anyone who’s opened their home only to feel taken for granted. As Reddit weighs in, this story begs us to ponder: where’s the line between helping family and protecting your own peace?
‘WIBTA If I kick my brother and his wife out even though I know they can’t support themselves and their newborn baby?’
Kicking out family is never a light decision, especially with a newborn in the mix. The OP’s saga screams of boundaries trampled by a brother who’s more comfortable coasting than contributing. His refusal to job-hunt diligently and his outburst at OP’s wife show a lack of respect for the roof over his head.
This dynamic isn’t uncommon. A 2021 Census Bureau report notes 17% of young adults live with relatives due to financial instability, often straining family ties (source). Dr. John Townsend, a psychologist specializing in boundaries, says, “Helping family is noble, but enabling dependency harms everyone involved” (source). The brother’s car purchase over saving for a home suggests misplaced priorities, not progress.
OP’s wife faced verbal aggression, signaling a hostile environment. Dr. Townsend advises, “Clear deadlines and consequences protect your household’s well-being.” OP’s move-out date is a step toward accountability, though the baby’s welfare tugs at the heart. Suggesting social services or family mediation could ease the transition.
The brother’s pattern—mirroring why his wife’s mother evicted them—hints at deeper issues, possibly addiction or irresponsibility, as Reddit speculates. OP could offer resources like job programs or low-income housing options (e.g., source). What’s your advice for navigating this family fallout?
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
Reddit brought the heat, serving up a mix of righteous indignation and practical jabs. From calls to involve lawyers to suspicions of deeper issues, the community’s got OP’s back. Check out their unfiltered takes:
These Reddit roasts hit hard, but do they capture the full complexity—or just fan the flames of frustration?
This tale of overstayed welcomes and a newborn’s uncertain future leaves us wrestling with tough questions. OP’s patience stretched thin, but his brother’s recklessness tests the limits of family loyalty. With a baby in the equation, the stakes feel sky-high. Reddit’s rallying cry for boundaries resonates, but the path forward isn’t simple. Have you ever had to draw a hard line with family? What would you do if a loved one’s choices put their child at risk? Share your thoughts below!