Follow
Share

My Mum died very suddenly 3 years ago and it hit my sister and I hard, her worse than me, and she just kinda gave up just sleeping all day, drinking and vaping. She did the washing and some cooking, whilst I continued to work full time and pay for everything and support her too. She wasn't on benefits, we struggled to pay the bills and I later found out she'd beeb drinking 1 or 2 bottles of Scotch a week behind my back, while I'm struggling to pay bills, and then stole from me (like only a junkie would!) First it was loose change out of my big coke bottle, then my credit card (she actually watched me phone the Police to report my card had been cloned, and only admitted it when they were going to view cctv evidence), after promising she'd never steal again, she stole a gold half-sovereign out of my bag (that i was going to sell to pay bills, not spend on myself!) and sold it at a local antique shop, even tricking me into taking her there by saying she was going to the chemist next door. We've rowed 100 times and made up, she's promised me that she'll change, but then every other week she relapses and won't move off the sofa, she only goes shopping if I take her and last Friday fainted outside the co-op as she's not eating properly, I told her she had to speak to the Doctor on Monday, but she refused and said she's alright. She only bathes if I nag her to and looks dreadful. I've trier to make allowances as she came out of a marriage to a bully, but I now wonder if she behaved like this in marriage and is that why he appeared to bully her? I KNOW she still drinks whisky so I said, I can't stop you, but control it. She got alot of Backdated PIP and UC which is in my bavk as she doesn't have an account ( I Gave her money for a new drivers licence to open an account but it never arrived, probably spent that on booze too!) We live in the house inherited from.my Mum which we HAVE to seek as my mum mum took out a lifetime mortgage on it and the want their pound of flesh - vultures! We thought we'd sold last August but were just strung along for 6 months so we lost the house we were looking at. The idea is if we buy together our money will go further. The house is under offer again and we viewed a house last week but she said she felt dizzy and didn't look upstairs, we are viewing again tomorrow with the idea of making an offer, but I don't think she'll come to look. I've been out of work alot for last few months and living off her PIP (Tthough alot if it was owed to me as she paid nothing for about 18 months and I took out loans and credit cards to get us through) when the arguments start, she talks about HER money and forgets what she stole from.me. there was also £500 cash from.my mum's account that should've lasted us a while, she spent that in 2 weeks and she sold a gold charm bracelet of mums for £900 and I saw none of that, though she tried to imply she'd "filled the freezer".I ask her to do basic things like tidy the corner nearbthe sofa she sleeps on as she just accumulates empty water and coke bottles and throws litter or empty vape boxes into the corner - probably just to annoy me. I've asked her 4 times to put a wash on today and she's not done it and has been asleep since after tea time. Asked her 3 times to throw out her out of date half lasagne in the fridge, not done, I've just done it. She eats about half a ready meal every and old bathes when I nag. I do end up shouting and getting I'm her face abd she's described me as a vile gorilla that speaks to her like shit. I've just got a new job today, starting in a week or so which I think I'll love, after afew false starts, and want to rebuild my life. I don't want to feel.like a bad brother but others ha e said I should start thinking of myself and the signpost for carers I registered at said I'm entitled to live my own life and have to ask myself if I wsnt to have to deal with her the rest of my life. As crap as she felt after losing Mum I felt the same but i worked.

Find Care & Housing
Thank you, ALL.
I went to see the Estate Agents who are dealing with the sale of the house and just broke down in tears in their office. They were very understanding and said they can certainly help me find a rental or even buy a small place.
(Right now I'm edging towards Rental, to leave me with quite alot of money in the bank and the chance to again enjoy my life again in terms of going on holiday, visiting different places in the UK and abroad, and maybe even trying "vanlife" for a while. I'm also trying to launch a little business where I make "Bespoke Mancave Swag" (right now I'm making Jerry Can Cabinets to be Mini Bars and Candy shops for Home Cinemas, starting small but I've sold 10 or 11 for around £50 each). The Purchasers survey is happening on MY house on Monday, and then (hopefully) we will exchange contracts soon after. THAT will be the time to get moving, once the sale is agreed and I know precisely how much we'll be getting.
I really appreciate all your answers and you've pretty much ALL said what others have said to me, and confirmed that I no longer have to feel "duty bound" to live like this, and that by making her have to deal with things, I'm not a BAD Brother.
I'll keep you posted.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Toffee
Report

An addict will take you down with them. Get out now to save yourself.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Bulldog54321
Report

Please attend Al-Anon in your area. You will not only meet people whose situations mirror your own, but you will learn how to deal with a family member in the throes of alcoholism. This is something you can do nothing about. You will learn about options for healing your own life, and moving on from being a "co" to your loved one.

I wish you the best.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Here in the US, when 2 people own a house and one won't sell, the one who wants to sell has to "force" the sell.

Your sister is not going to get any better if your there to prop her up. You probably can live on your own with no problem. Here in the US, your sister would not be able to get a mortgage. No job or job history. No good credit score. And if she was able to get a mortgage with you, you know who will be paying it. I agree with everyone. You need to sell the house and split proceeds. Sister goes her way and you go hers. Tough love here. She may have to hit bottom before she can get herself up. I think she has depression. All the signs are there. She needs to get to a doctor. Meds can do wonders. You can help her but not live with her. Co-sign on nothing. Once you have a place of your own, don't allow her to move in for even one night. Find her resourses.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

Sell the house before you look at anything new, and split whatever money is left after you pay off the mortgage. Then take your share of the money and the pay from your new job (congrats and good luck, btw!) and get a temporary place (rental) that is too small for her to live in with you. After she finally gets the message that she can no longer live with you, then find a long-term place for yourself. Though it will be hard, you'll be helping her for the long-term by not enabling her bad choices anymore. Let us know how it goes.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to MG8522
Report

It's LONG past time that you just think of yourself and not your ungrateful, lying, stealing, addicted sister.
And whatever you do....DO NOT buy a house with your sister, as that is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Time for you to now use your God given brain and decide that enough is enough and that you deserve better, and let your sister lie in the bed that she has made for herself.
You are NOT your sisters keeper!!! And as long as you continue to enable her she will NEVER get any better.
So I wish you well with moving on in your life WITHOUT your toxic sister.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

I cannot fathom why you’d continue to live with anyone who steals and has addictions. Protect your well being and build a new life on your own, no apologies for doing so. I wish you courage and peace
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

I am asking myself why you are being her floormat. For the life of me, I can't understand why you continue to listen to a liar, a drug addict and a thief. If this was anyone other than your sister, would you entertain this behavior and for so long?.

She will not change until you do.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to SrRita
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter