AITA – 8 months pregnant, and my partner’s sister is pressuring me to take in their sick mom
AITA For not wanting the responsibility of taking care of my mother in law?
I’m 8 months pregnant, working from home, and living with my boyfriend in a 3-bedroom townhome. One room is ours, one is for the baby, and one is a guest room. His mom is currently staying with another family member, but that person is no longer willing to care for her due to the demands of her illness and her difficult behavior.
Now, my boyfriend’s sister (who lives out of state and works full time in Chicago) is pressuring us to have their mom move in with us — claiming we have the space. She’s not offering any real help, just insisting that their mom “has nowhere else to go” and that we should step up. The thing is, I’m about to give birth, and I’ll be responsible for a newborn basically alone most of the day, since my boyfriend works outside the home.
My boyfriend has actually spoken to his sister multiple times and made it clear that this setup isn’t realistic — especially with a newborn on the way. He’s been supportive and has stood up for me, but his sister keeps pushing the idea like we’re the only option.
I don’t have the capacity — emotionally, physically, or logistically — to care for a newborn and a sick adult who needs help with daily routines and appointments. I’m not a nurse, and I’m not okay starting our new family and relationship with this massive responsibility suddenly dropped on me.
It feels unfair that I’m being cornered into this just because I’m nearby and working from home. I want to be compassionate, but I’m also trying to protect my health, my baby, and the foundation of our future as a family.
Am I the asshole for feeling this way or for not wanting to have this responsibility?