I’m 70 and selling my family home to finally live by the ocean. I’ve spent my entire adult life in this house, raising kids, working, maintaining everything. Now it’s time for me.
My daughter Rachel walked in last week like she owned the place. “I’m moving in instead—three kids, rent-free. You don’t get a vote.” I actually laughed in her face. “Too late, Rachel. It’s SOLD. Closing is in two weeks.”
Her eyes went black. She didn’t yell. She just stared at me and left without another word.
That night, around 11 PM, I froze—her key turned in my lock. She showed up with suitcases and her kids, looking confused and half-asleep. “We’re staying here tonight. The moving truck comes tomorrow. You’ll figure something else out.”
I stood in my doorway, blocking them, and said, “No. Leave now.” She tried to push past me. Her oldest started crying. It took me twenty minutes to get them back out the door.
I’m scared. She still has a key—I forgot she made a copy years ago when she used to pet-sit. She genuinely believes this house should be hers, and that I’m ruining her life by selling it.
I’ve worked for this ocean dream for 40 years. I helped her through college, let her live here rent-free until she was 28, watched her kids countless times. Now that I want something for myself, I’m selfish.
Should I have just given up my plans to keep the peace? How do I handle a daughter who thinks she can literally move into my house against my will?
I’m closing in two weeks and terrified she’ll try something else. I don’t want to lose my daughter, but I also can’t give up the life I’ve earned. What do I do?
