When my brother-in-law Mason asked to stay for just a week, I reluctantly agreed—never imagining it would turn into six months of chaos. He treated our house like a frat pad, leaving dirty dishes everywhere, freeloading on groceries, and offering no help. My husband Asher, ever the peacekeeper, kept asking me to be patient. But patience ran thin when I found out I was pregnant—and Mason’s only response was to request the baby not cry too loudly so he could sleep.

Desperate and cornered, I called my mother-in-law, Maggie, hoping she’d convince Mason to move out. To my relief, she agreed and took him in. Finally, I felt peace return to our home and looked forward to preparing for our baby. But that relief was short-lived. Two weeks later, Maggie showed up at our door—with Mason in tow—announcing they were both moving in “to help.”

I was speechless as they walked in and made themselves at home like it had all been prearranged. Mason sprawled on the couch, while Maggie gushed about being our live-in nanny. I stood frozen, realizing I’d fought so hard to reclaim peace—only to have my boundaries bulldozed again, this time by two people who believed they were doing us a favor.

Now, with a baby on the way, I’m overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure how to protect the home and life I’ve built with Asher. I never thought setting boundaries with family would become this complicated. What began as a simple favor has spiraled into a nightmare I can’t seem to wake up from. If anyone has advice for how to handle this—how to draw the line without destroying family ties—I’m all ears. I need help, and I need it soon.