Relationships work best when both partners agree on boundaries around personal space.

But when his girlfriend’s mom way overstayed her welcome, one man had the difficult realization that he was living in someone else’s comfort zone instead of his own.

You’ll want to keep reading for this one.

AITA For not wanting my girlfriends mom to live with us?

I’m 31M. So my girlfriend’s mom moved in with us about a year ago for the second time.

At first, he welcomed her in with open arms.

She had an issue with the person she was living with, so I helped her move out and move in with us. I don’t mind her staying with us short term.

I was thinking like one or two years.

I thought that was generous so she could save up some money and get her own place.

My girlfriend and I have been together 10 years, in a two-bedroom home. It’s already small for the two of us.

But soon he began to realize this wasn’t going to be a short-term arrangement.

Her mom has a gambling and spending issue, and she takes out loans as she’s currently being garnished for other debts.

Even after taking out loans, she struggles to pay a very small rent. She has a job and makes more than I do too.

I’m worried this short-term situation might not end up being so short term. I don’t feel as free in my own home as I would like to be.

His girlfriend doesn’t seem to understand where he’s coming from, though.

When I bring it up to my girlfriend, she says it’s not a big deal and that she’s basically just saving us money. But I’d rather pay more to have my own space with the person I love.

So basically, I just want to know—AITA for wanting my own space, and to not live with any parents until they get to an age where they truly need the help?

His generosity ended up coming back to bite him in the end.

What did Reddit think?

This commenter doesn’t see this situation resolving anytime soon.

If he manages to lose the extra roomie, he may end up just losing his girlfriend too.

Extrication is possible, but some big sacrifices may have to be made.

This situation just isn’t fair to him at all.

What was meant as a temporary favor has turned into an uncomfortable reality.

And while everyone else shrugs it off, he knows he deserves better than this.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a daughter who invited herself to her parents’ 40th anniversary vacation for all the wrong reasons.