My daughter-in-law suddenly messaged me, asking for a large loan to “cover some bills.” No details, no explanation — just the number. And it wasn’t the first time she had done this.

I decided enough was enough. So I invited her over and said with a smile, “Of course I’ll help — but only if you show me your budget and sign a repayment plan.”

She burst out laughing, as if it had to be a joke.
It wasn’t.

The moment she realized I was serious, her mood flipped. She accused me of not trusting her. I told her calmly, “I do trust you with your choices — just not with my money unless there’s responsibility attached.”

She stormed out. Later, my son texted me angrily, saying I had “humiliated” her.

Maybe I did.
But my money stayed exactly where it belongs — in my account — and so did my boundaries.