Katie’s 29-year-old son, Danny, moved back in with her six months ago after losing his job. At first, she was glad to support him and give him time to recover, covering groceries, cooking, and laundry without complaint. But over time, she noticed he wasn’t even trying—no job applications, no interviews, just TikTok and Xbox all day.

Then one evening, while cooking dinner, Katie overheard Danny joking on the phone that his mom was “basically his free maid.” The words stung deeply. It wasn’t gratitude or acknowledgment of her support—it was entitlement. Since then, every meal she’s made and every chore she’s done has felt like enabling.

Now Katie is torn. Part of her wants to sit him down and lay out an ultimatum: find work within a set time or move out. But another part feels guilty, worried she’ll damage their relationship. After all, he’s her son—but he’s also nearly 30, and the situation is draining her emotionally.

The truth is, love doesn’t mean being a doormat. Setting boundaries isn’t rejection—it’s teaching respect and responsibility. If Katie wants change, she’ll need to stop making life so comfortable for Danny and focus on clear action steps, not just hurtful comments. That way, she protects her peace while encouraging him to finally stand on his own.