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Here’s the story of a gay man who grew up in a conservative household. His journey of self-acceptance and liberation forced him to distance himself from his family.
Then, out of the blue, he got a plea for help from his older brother, who was facing difficult circumstances. Disregarding his past, he decides to help, only to regret things shortly after.
Family Struggle During Childhood
The original poster, whom we’ll refer to as Roman, faced many challenges with his family when he was young.
Roman didn’t feel accepted by his parents and older brother because they held unreasonable views. His grandfather passed away when Roman was in his 20s, leaving him a large inheritance.
Grandpa’s Blessing in Disguise
The money from Roman’s inheritance was enough for a down payment on a house. Eventually, Roman decided he’d had enough with his family. He came out to them right before moving away.
Breaking Free
Roman’s family reacted horribly, telling him he no longer existed to them. Although tough, Roman proceeded with his plans and didn’t speak to his family for years.
Building a New Life
Shortly after moving, Roman landed a great job and met Jordan, the love of his life. However, things would shortly take a turn for the worse.
Brother’s Apology Opens a Door to Reconnect
Roman received a call from Brooks, his older brother, out of the blue. Brooks apologized for how he’d reacted when Roman came out and mentioned wanting to reconnect.
A Desperate Plea
Brooks also mentioned he’d recently lost his job and that he, his wife, and their two kids were about to be evicted.
Because he needed a place to stay, Brooks asked Roman if he and his family could move in with him for a few months. Brooks would’ve stayed with his parents, but they had moved into an assisted living facility.
Seeking Shelter in a Time of Crisis
Roman’s first instinct was to say “no.” However, when he told Jordan about the situation, Jordan pointed out that Brooks may have changed while they were estranged. He also felt bad about Brooks’s wife and kids being homeless.
Agreeing to Brother’s Conditions
Roman told Brooks he’d let him and his family move in under two conditions. One, he wouldn’t bring up politics, and two, he and his family wouldn’t disrespect him and Jordan under any circumstances.
Giving Brother a Second Chance
Roman was firm on these two conditions as he didn’t plan on reliving his childhood. He told Brooks that if he broke either of these conditions, he and his family would be kicked out of his house.
Since Jordan works from home, Roman asked him to notify him if Brooks ever broke his rules.
Welcoming Brooks’s Family
Everything appeared fine for the first two weeks, but things changed shortly after. One day, Jordan called Roman crying while he was at work. He explained to Roman that he’d asked Brooks to clean up after his kids, and Brooks had refused.
Breaking the Rules
This escalated to Brooks screaming and telling Jordan he “didn’t want a f*g telling him what to do.”
Tensions Rise as Brooks Disrespects Boundaries
After hearing this, Roman was furious. When he arrived at his house, he told Brooks and his family they had two days to pack their things and get out. Brooks insinuated that Jordan was a liar, but Roman didn’t believe him.
Hurtful Words and Zero Tolerance
In the midst of the argument, Brooks’s wife stepped in and apologized to Roman for what had happened. She begged Roman for a second chance, but Roman reminded her about their agreement to follow his rules.
Facing the Consequences
Brooks’s family didn’t start packing until he threatened to call the police. Roman gave his brother an address for a homeless shelter; eventually, he and his family were gone.
Tough Love or Cruelty?
Brooks kept texting Roman asking if they could come back and saying that his kids were suffering. Eventually, more family members got involved and claimed that Roman was cruel for punishing Brooks’s kids for their father’s mistakes.
Roman’s Clear Rules Were Broken
“Your rules were clear and very reasonable, [and] he broke them. You do not have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.”
Reconnected Out of Convenience
“…They only reconnected out of convenience and with a hand out. They could not respect OP’s simple request that they be civil and now they have faced the consequences of their bigotry. Any concerned cousins are free to offer their couches. OP has already done more than enough.”
Entitled From the Start
“…There were very basic conditions that he not abuse you or your partner, and he decided to do just that. He wasn’t entitled to stay in the first place, he’s just a user only willing to contact family when he needs something. Probably part of the attitude that has him in this situation to begin with.”
Debating the Fate of Brooks’s Children
Everyone deserves a second chance. Apparently, Brooks hasn’t changed, and now his wife and kids are paying the price.
Now Roman is put in a tough spot seeing his brother’s family suffer because of his mistakes.
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