Sister-in-Law Asks to Use My Bathtub While I’m Away—What I Found Upon Returning Left Me Speechless

Our Journey to a Dream Home

Before my husband and I built our new house, we lived in a modest home that some relatives ridiculed for being old and small. They wouldn’t even invite us to family gatherings, assuming we were “too poor” to fit in.

After six years of saving and hard work, we finally built our dream home without borrowing money from anyone except for a small bank loan. We wanted to avoid any misunderstandings or gossip, so we didn’t accept financial help from either of our families.

Living in a small town made building costs much lower than in a big city. In just four months, the house was complete, and every detail—from the tiles to the garden trees—was chosen by us.

When the house was ready, family members and neighbors suddenly found excuses to visit. At first, we enjoyed hosting a small housewarming party, but the endless visits and constant expectations for free food started to wear us down. We barely had enough money to manage our household expenses, let alone entertain so many people. To cut down on visitors, we began making excuses like saying our baby was sick or that we were busy, though some relatives resented us for being “unwelcoming.”

The Criticism from My Sister-in-Law

Among our most vocal critics was my sister-in-law, a college student who constantly belittled us. She often called us “complacent” and accused us of not working hard enough to achieve success like others who already had houses and cars.

Worse, she spread rumors that I spent all my husband’s money on clothes and makeup. If only she knew how tight our budget is! Every month, we struggle to cover bills, our baby’s daycare, and other essentials. My wardrobe consists of old clothes, and the last time I used makeup was three years ago—with a lipstick my husband gifted me.

In contrast, my sister-in-law lives extravagantly. Spoiled by her parents, she splurges on clothes, accessories, and even a purebred dog she bragged about buying for over $500. She frequently returns from the city with brightly dyed hair and outfits that look straight off a runway. It baffles me how my in-laws, who always complain about financial struggles, let her live like royalty.

Her dog is her pride and joy, and she often posts photos with it on social media, claiming, “I’d rather have a dog than a boyfriend—dogs are cuter and drama-free.”

My sister-in-law asked to use my bathtub while I wasn’t home, and I thought nothing of it. I agreed, assuming it would be a simple favor. But when I came back, I was absolutely shocked at the mess she left behind.

The bathroom was flooded, dog hair was everywhere, and soap was spilled all over the floor. To make matters worse, she had left the window wide open, and the wind ruined some brand-new towels I had hanging to dry.

When I confronted her and asked her to take responsibility for the damages, my mother-in-law brushed it off, saying, “It’s not a big deal; young people make messes.” This made me realize that, in this family, everyone excuses my sister-in-law’s bad behavior, while I’m always cast as the villain.

The Last Straw

The incident with the bathtub was the final straw for me. While I’ve worked hard to create a comfortable home for my family, my sister-in-law seems to think she can disrespect my space without consequences. The lack of accountability and the constant excuses from my in-laws only make things worse.

I’ve realized that no matter how much effort I put into maintaining peace, I’ll always be seen as the outsider in this family, while my sister-in-law continues to get away with everything.