Humanist

There was this expectation those days for one to operate a open house policy, in which extended family members were welcome to stay all the time and at the expense of one’s own children.

Okay, I must honestly disclose that I think because my late papa favored me, I do not recall being inconvenienced as much as my siblings I believe were.

For example, I do not recall being forced to share a bedroom with others, but I recall my siblings having to share their rooms with others, almost throughout our childhood. Yes, mostly extended family.

Then there was the tea set saga, when late papa’s half sister was living with us and she overstepped her bounds to my inconvenience: “why do you think you are special, drink your milk from a mug like your siblings,” she berated me.

Papa took the milk in the mug, poured it into my teapot, placed it on my tray with my cup; and he gave me my breakfast tray to carry back to his bedroom to have it as he watched over me, while he got ready for work.

Yes, papa straighten his sister, told her off and from then on she grudgingly had to tow the line. Read more in “We all have that one aunt.”

So, yes, that is a tradition I no room for. Open house policy that inconveniences members of my household is an absolute no, no.

Yes, you can come and visit for one or two days, but not to live for extended periods of time at the inconvenience of the members of my household.