Studies show that around 32% of young adults continue living with their parents after graduation. For some, it’s a huge benefit—having a stable home, food, and less financial stress. But for others, it can bring unexpected conflicts. Today’s story is about one of those family struggles.
From: Lily
Subject: My parents demand I pay rent, but my sister never pays a cent
My name is Lily. I graduated from college not too long ago, and I live at home with my parents and my sister, Rachel. She graduated two years before me. We both have full-time jobs and have been working since we finished school. From my very first paycheck, I’ve been paying my parents $500 a month in rent.
I just assumed Rachel did the same, so I never asked. But the other day, I finally decided to check.
Me: How much does Rachel pay for rent?
Mom: Nothing.
(A long pause.)
Me: What do you mean she doesn’t pay rent?
Dad (frustrated): Rachel doesn’t pay a thing!
He explained that when she bought a new car, she told them she couldn’t afford rent, and since then—over two years—she’s been living rent-free while I’ve been handing over $500 every month.
That night, we had a family discussion. Rachel flat-out refused to contribute. She said the most she could give was $100. My parents suggested a compromise: she would pay $200 while I continued paying $500. I rejected that instantly.
The argument ended like this:
Rachel: “LEAVE ME ALONE. I’M TRYING TO LIVE MY LIFE.”
(Yes, she actually shouted that at us, which made me furious.)
She stormed off, and I made my stance clear.
Me: I won’t pay another dollar unless Rachel does too. And if I do, I’ll only pay the same amount she pays.
Mom: How about Rachel pays $200 and you keep paying $500?
Me: Absolutely not.
Mom: But Lily, we really need the money…
Me: That’s not my responsibility.
And then I walked off to my room.
The next morning, my dad came in and tried convincing me that I should still pay because “it’s the right thing to do.” I told him again: “Make Rachel pay rent as well.”
My mom overheard and jumped in:
Mom: “You’ve seen her. She won’t listen to us!”
Me: WELL, THAT’S TOO BAD.
Mom (furious): “WELL, WE WOULDN’T HAVE THIS PROBLEM IF YOU DIDN’T TRY TO MAKE YOUR SISTER PAY RENT.”
That was it for me. I slammed my door shut.
Now, as I’m writing this, my parents are sitting in the living room talking about how “unfair” I’m being for bringing this up—when in reality, I’m the only one paying rent while Rachel gets a free ride. How is that fair?
