House Hunters
I have a friend who purchased a house late last year. It’s an awesome two-story town house and I’ve been over there plenty of times to help out with moving/decorating and for hanging out. Her parents purchased the house for her and her partner. I truly have no issue with this as the housing market is terrible for buyers so more power to them for being home owners.
I recently, unfortunately inherited my parents’ house, which is three-bedroom out in the sticks. The issue: We went appliance shopping because most of the stuff in the house was 10-15 years old. We were standing with an employee who I had asked to recommend some smaller items like toasters and kettles when the employee asked if I was moving out as general chit chat.
I told him I was moving, and he asked whether I bought or rented. I told him bought, because it was just easier and less awkward than telling him I inherited the house. He told me that was cool and began talking about the toasters again when my friend cut in that I had inherited my house, not purchased it. The employee went quiet and I gave her a “what was that” face.
I was taken aback, and she continued on saying “Yeah, I purchased my house.” I asked “Does it really matter? I’m here to buy some kitchen appliances, not tell this guy my personal issues.” She grinned and said “it’s just for the record,” which made me more confused and annoyed. You can probably see where this is going. I replied “Oh okay then, if it’s just for the record, your parents purchased your house for you.”
The employee quickly retreated and my friend walked outside of the shop. I caught up with her and she said I was a massive jerk for pointing out she couldn’t afford to own without her parents’ help. I returned with a very similar “My parents also helped me with getting a house too, just in a really terrible way.” AKA, dying. My partner agrees with me, saying that she’s the one who opened that door, but our other friends are split almost 50/50.