Pregnant Woman Doubts Her Decision To Ban Privileged Friend From Her House After She Behaved Like Terrible House Guest
A 32-year-old pregnant woman is about to put her house on lockdown after multiple educating visits from her friend, Melody. Their more than a decade-long friendship didn't prepare OP for how difficult it was to have Melody as a house guest.
Their upbringing couldn't have been more opposite. Melody had a privileged home life, while OP worked for everything she has since she was 14.
Melody's parents bankroll her lifestyle — the 34-year-old's only expense is her car insurance. Still, OP had nothing bad to say about her friend until Melody stayed in her home.
Melody stays in OP's guest room when she is in their city for a show or an event. OP and her husband, James, ignore Melody's "mom friend" attitude and laugh off her condescension when she attempts to talk down to them.
OP reminded Melody of several rules and laid down new ones during Melody's latest visit. She asked her not to leave all the lights on at night, to ensure the doors were locked because their dog could escape, and some of the specialty snacks her friend from abroad sent were off-limits.
Melody laughed, saluted, and said, "Okay, general." Every rule was broken that night, and OP had to turn all the lights off and close the doors Melody left unlocked.
OP also had to pick up food wrappers and boxes Melody left on the counter before their dog could ingest something toxic to him.
Distinct_Signal_1555The morning after, OP found another aftermath of Hurricane Melody. There were dirty dishes all over the kitchen, the pantry was open, the coffee maker was on without the pot or water, and all the lights were on.
Distinct_Signal_1555OP ignored everything and went to her 2nd-floor home office to log into work. She couldn't because she had no internet connection. She knocked on the guest room door where the router was and found it unplugged.
Distinct_Signal_1555Melody was on the floor surrounded by all of the contents of her luggage. The router OP asked her not to touch was unplugged because Melody needed to charge her phone and watch. The other outlets in the room were unoccupied.
Distinct_Signal_1555OP also found the empty wrappers of her specialty snacks. She held up one, and Melody said they were delicious. She even asked OP if she had any left. OP reminded Melody that she was asked not to eat any of those. Melody shrugged.
Distinct_Signal_1555After a frustrating dinner where Melody, once again, got her way, they all went to a show. OP excused herself to go to the lounge because she needed space to breathe through her frustrations. Her husband joined her and mentioned other things he noticed Melody do.
Distinct_Signal_1555Melody used a lot of his face wash, and, potentially, his shaver. OP also noticed some of her makeup missing from her closet.
They informed Melody they couldn't host her when she visited their city a few months from then. They refused when Melody asked to use the main suite since their guest room would be occupied.
Another friend, Callie, asked OP what the deal was with Melody because she complained that OP was hormonal and super controlling. OP shared her version of events, which Callie said seemed more accurate.
Distinct_Signal_1555
Redditors said if OP's friendship with Melody is as good as she believes, then she should be able to tell her the truth about her behavior.
glittercatlady
OP stood firm on her assessment that Melody was a good person despite being the worst kind of house guest.
Distinct_Signal_1555
OP's honesty might be what Melody needs to grow up and see how her behavior impacts the people around her.
Accurate-Neck6933
OP says if Melody asks to stay in their house again, she would be honest about why she isn't allowed in their home until her behavior improves.
Distinct_Signal_1555
At what point does understanding turn to enabling?
Redditor
While Melody's privileged life explains her behavior, it shouldn't excuse it.
Distinct_Signal_1555
She acted like a sulky teenager who found her parent's house rules grating. Melody has a lot of growing up to do.
kathryn_sedai
OP said she won't allow Melody to stay in their house again. She would like to be friends with her but is done being her doormat.
Distinct_Signal_1555
OP realized in the end that she was treating Melody with kid gloves like her parents did and still do. By allowing Melody to disrespect her, her husband, and their home, OP enabled her.
Melody has no incentive to change because she gets everything she wants out of life despite her attitude. If Melody cared for her friends, she would examine her actions, apologize to those she hurt, and change.
