Teen’s Battle With Her Mother Over Fair Rent Ends in an Eviction, But a Simple Dinner Encounter Becomes an Unexpected Showdown.

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At just 16, the Original Poster (OP) faced the financial pressures of adulthood, charged “market rate” rent by her own mother. With a recent pay raise came heightened expectations and further rent demands, leading to a climactic eviction. When her mother visited her new apartment, tensions reached a boiling point over something as simple as plastic cutlery.

Starting Young

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OP, a determined 16-year-old, starts working 30 hours a week at a grocery store and is immediately charged “market rate” rent by her mother. She manages her expenses diligently. However, the tight budget limits her choices and freedoms.

The Unexpected Raise

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Excitement fills the air when OP turns 18 and receives a substantial pay raise and promotion at work, doubling her previous earnings. The promise of a more comfortable life looms on the horizon, but this joy is short-lived after she informs her mother of her accomplishment.

The Rent Dilemma

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Eager to capitalize on her daughter’s fortune, OP’s mother tries to increase the rent further. Standing her ground, OP refuses the unreasonable demand, leading to her being kicked out of the house by her mother.

The Neglected Daughter

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Abandoned and struggling, OP faces the tough reality of independence as the summer ends on a bitter note. She must now find a suitable apartment to live in while she works full-time as an assistant manager at the grocery store.

The Quest for a Home

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August rolls in, and OP begins searching for a place to call home. High rents and scarce availability prove to make the process challenging. Eventually, she secures a furnished apartment.

Living Bare

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In her new dwelling, OP starts with only the essentials. Luxury remains a distant dream as she prioritizes needs over wants. Plasticware serves as dinnerware, and a lone lightbulb illuminates her sparse living accommodations.

The Reluctant Invitation

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Despite their strained relationship, OP’s mother wishes to visit her daughter’s new apartment. Tentatively, OP agrees, hoping for reconciliation or understanding. Her new home stands ready for judgment.

A Stark Reality

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Upon arrival, the mother is quick to critique the barrenness and darkness of the apartment. OP opens all the blinds to use natural light, maximizing available resources. Yet, her mother remains unimpressed.

The Food Arrives

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Hunger pangs distract from the mounting tension, prompting OP’s mother to order food. As the food arrives, another obstacle emerges. The lack of proper cutlery becomes the next point of contention.

Plastic Outrage

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When presented with plastic forks, the mother’s temper flares. She lashes out, accusing OP of living beyond her means and saying she needs to find a place with cheaper rent so she can afford necessities, such as proper utensils and lighting.

Defending Choices

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Frustrated and hurt, OP retorts, comparing the current rent to the excessive charges of her mother. She paints a picture of a life where potential savings were drained and basic amenities became luxuries. OP defends her choices and circumstances.

Lightbulbs and Steel

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Highlighting her challenges, OP speaks of her sacrifices: prioritizing a deposit over multiple lightbulbs or steel cutlery. These choices, she argues, result from the financial constraints enforced by her mother.

The Accusation

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Despite the heartfelt explanation, OP’s mother views her responses as backtalk. She accuses OP of disrespect, failing to recognize her daughter’s struggle. Communication breaks down further as the pair cannot see eye-to-eye.

Seeking Validation

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OP, reflecting on the entire ordeal, is filled with uncertainty. She questions her reactions and choices, wondering if she is indeed in the wrong. Desiring an objective perspective, she reaches out to the world.

Moving Forward

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With a better understanding of her circumstances and emotions, OP is equipped to face the future. While the rift with her mother remains, she possesses a renewed sense of self. The journey continues, filled with hope and resilience.

Was The Daughter’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts her story online for feedback and advice from the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “I am so proud of you. You are building your future one lightbulb at a time and not complaining. You got out of a bad situation and are working to be financially stable.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “What your mom did was illegal. You cannot charge underage people rent unless they are emancipated. Take her to small claims court and get back the two years of illegal rent she took.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “It seems you have a good reason to be mad. Charging your 16-year-old kid rent at market rate is an extremely harsh thing to do.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “Your mother was financially abusing you. She must pay you back every cent you gave her before you turned 18. You can sue her for that.”