Shock As 'Unemployed' Sister Invoices Her Family After Cleaning Their House

Users on Mumsnet have voted almost unanimously that a woman is not being unreasonable to be "devastated" about a recent situation with her sister.

Some 98 percent of users voted that the user, Arewerrallydoingthisnow, was not being difficult about being shocked that her sister charged her money to help her around the house.

In the post, the frustrated mother explains that she has very little cash at the moment, "nursery fees, mortgage increases, I'm working two jobs, kids at state schools etc., much like a lot of the population. Sister does not work. Her husbands family are RICH. So in fact not only does she not work, but he doesn't either."

She goes on to say that she has been trying to sort out things in her house and asked "if she would have any time to bring over her carpet cleaner and help me move everything back as husband at work during days."

After agreeing and helping, "she then called and said she would invoice me for hours she'd spent helping and that when she got help in it was around £15/hr ($18), so she thought that was reasonable."

The user explains that she is "shocked" and cannot afford the unexpected cost.

In its most recent report from October 2022, the American Psychological Association found that 72 percent of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at least some time in the prior month.

Primerica reports that the share of middle-income Americans who say their incomes are not matching the cost of living crisis has increased to 75 percent as of June 2022.

Newsweek spoke to Ruth Freeman, LCSW, president and founder of Peace at Home Parenting Solutions about the awkward situation. "Sounds like outrageous behavior on the part of the sister," she says.

"In this situation, I would always suggest being clear that there has been a misunderstanding. It helps to make kind and firm boundaries, especially in families. That might sound something like: 'Wow. I am surprised to learn that you want to charge us. I did not hear you say that in advance of your generous time with us. We are not in a place to pay for your support and I would have declined your offer if I heard that you wanted to be paid. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I will keep in mind that you want to be paid if we need any help in the future. Thank you again for all your help.'

"Having dramatic family arguments, even when relatives are outrageous, really isn't useful. Yes, there is no way to see this as acceptable, but be clear and firm with your boundaries and at the same time do what you can to keep peace in the family."

User Familydilemmas said, "I'd laugh because she must be joking".

User MrsK89 commented, "Wow so cheeky! Why would she think you would pay her full wack when you could have hired a professional cleaner. She must be having a laugh or trying her luck!"

User HiCandles wrote, "Seriously bizarre. Have you got another relative who could intervene and ask her if everything is alright, if she won't admit it to you?"

Newsweek has reached out to Arewerrallydoingthisnow for comment.