Many of us have encountered a friend or relative who seems to take more than they give back. In a recent story shared online, the generosity of a cousin is being stretched thin, leading to a complicated living arrangement.

The original poster (OP), a 26-year-old woman, has been accommodating her cousin, a 24-year-old female, in her home since October 2024. The cousin sought refuge due to her separation from her ex-wife, moving all the way from Minnesota to stay with OP. Upon arrival, she was grappling with a physical injury, having recently undergone surgery. OP stepped in to assist her during this challenging time, offering not only shelter but also financial support for medical expenses, including copays and over-the-counter pain relief products like Biofreeze. The cousin's financial situation was precarious; she had cash assistance, but her access was restricted as her assistance card was still with her ex-wife.

As time passed, the cousin showed signs of recovery. She was able to walk unaided, purchased a car, and even secured a job in assembly starting in February. OP believed that with her newfound stability, it would be reasonable for the cousin to contribute to household expenses. They both earned the same hourly wage of $21, which made budgeting straightforward. OP discussed the need for the cousin to help out with various apartment costs and specifically mentioned a rent contribution of $300. Initially, the cousin agreed, but as weeks went by, she consistently failed to meet her payment obligations. To avoid the risk of being late on rent, OP found herself covering the full amount.

Despite numerous conversations about the situation, the cousin continued to provide excuses for her inability to contribute. This was perplexing to OP, especially since the cousin had minimal financial obligations while staying with hernamely, just her car, insurance, and phone bill. Meanwhile, OP had previously managed to buy food and essentials like toilet paper, water, and paper towels on her own without issue. However, with another person living in the apartment, they were running through supplies much faster than before.

Frustration began to set in for OP. It felt like she was shouldering the financial burden of two people while the cousin retained all her earnings. In an effort to manage the situation, OP made the decision to purchase the essentials and store them in her room, hoping this would prompt her cousin to step up and contribute. Over the next few days, however, OP noticed that the cousin had not bought any of these necessities and had not mentioned the absence of toilet paper in the bathroom.

OP found herself in a moral quandary. Should she make the supplies accessible again or continue to hide them to encourage her cousin to fulfill her agreement? The situation left her feeling somewhat guilty, as she feared that she might come off as cruel, but she also recognized that she did not want to enable her cousin's behavior of relying on her entirely. Fortunately, the cousin would not be living with OP for too much longer, but this situation had raised a serious question: Is it wrong to hide essential supplies from someone who has failed to uphold their end of the bargain?

Seeking advice from the online community, the OP wondered if she was in the wrong for her actions. Various commenters weighed in, suggesting that she should have an open and honest conversation with her cousin about the situation. Others warned her to be cautious and not trust her cousin too readily, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in her expectations. A few commenters even offered humorous takes on the situation, noting that if she couldn't prank her cousin with toilet paper elsewhere, hiding it might be a clever solution to her dilemma.

This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise within family dynamics, particularly when financial responsibilities come into play. It brings to light the importance of clear communication and the need to set boundaries, especially when living with someone who may take advantage of generosity.