No worries--I didn't think you were suggesting bad about me.
I was affirming your idea that she was an OCD homemaker and she is. But part of that also made the adjustment difficult.
As far as gossip--I shouldn't care, but it bugs me. I am big on not being perceived falsely. I find it a question of my integrity if someone gossips about me where others perceive me as negative when I didn't do anything wrong. Admitted hang up of mine, I know.
And to Hannathy--you are right. It was a demonstration of charity--it should not be a demonstration of us being a doormat.
We gave them a decision deadline either way (where rent must be agreed upon) and that rent begins April 1. I will have to talk to my husband about an end date. The assumption is that a job opportunity will come through and they will be asked to move then...but a firm date with that clause would be better.
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Thanks! You guys have helped me feel better. I knew you would. If we were being terrible, you would have no problem telling us.
Sadly, it is unlikely we will extend any charity to other good meaning folks in the future. We will have to mark that box as a been there done that.
Now to stop neglecting my kids.