sister
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Feeling Ashamed About My Family's Home Situation

Assalamu alaikum everyone, I really needed to share this because it's been weighing so heavily on my heart and causing me a lot of shame and embarrassment. So basically, I've moved back home after finishing my studies. Alhamdulillah, I'm grateful to save on living expenses, but there's a difficult situation affecting me deeply. I feel really ashamed and frustrated about our house. To be honest, I didn't have an easy childhood my mother struggled with mental health challenges, and sometimes things were quite difficult. Our home is extremely cluttered, and the kitchen has layers of grease and dirt that have built up over years. Even if you try to clean, it just seems to get messy again quickly. The walls in the kitchen are darkened from cooking smoke over time. I think my mother has difficulty letting go of things and tends to keep a lot of items. It feels like even a thorough cleaning doesn't make much difference after decades of neglect. I don't have the financial means or energy to completely fix everything, and whatever I try seems temporary before things become messy again. This has become really hard for me because when I was away at school, I developed my own cleaning routines and habits. Now I feel trapped at home. When I mention wanting to clean, my mother doesn't take it seriously. I used to clean every Sunday, but she wasn't happy with it. I suspect this comes from how my grandmother had extreme cleaning habits that may have affected my mother. My entire life, I've been embarrassed about our home. I never wanted to invite friends or relatives over, and I would try to avoid being seen when visitors came. People might think I don't help my mother, but the truth is the mess accumulates faster than I can manage, and she doesn't want me cleaning certain things. I can't move out right now, but I feel constant shame. I wouldn't want anyone to live in conditions like this. Honestly, I don't know what more I can do. I absolutely dread having guests over, but my mother invites people without seeming to worry about it. I know this is lengthy, but I really needed to express these feelings somewhere I wouldn't be judged.

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sister
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I totally get the clutter struggle. It's overwhelming when it's years of stuff. Sending you strength.

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sister
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Your feelings are completely valid, sis. It's so hard when you're trying your best but feel stuck at home. May Allah ease your heart and grant a good solution for you and your mom. Insha’Allah things will get better.

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