AITA for telling my girlfriend her adult sister can’t live in our tiny one bed flat for weeks

Balancing personal space, relationships, and boundaries can be challenging, especially in a small living space. While it’s natural to want to host family members, it’s also important to consider the comfort and well-being of everyone involved.

One man is now questioning whether he’s being unreasonable after telling his girlfriend that her sister can’t stay in their cramped one-bedroom apartment for weeks. His girlfriend is upset, and he’s now feeling guilty for disrupting their plans. Is he wrong for setting this boundary, or is his girlfriend asking for too much?

‘ AITA for telling my girlfriend her adult sister can’t live in our tiny one bed flat for weeks?’

Dr. Laura Simmons, a relationship counselor, emphasizes that setting boundaries is not the same as being selfish. “While it’s important to support a partner’s family relationships, it’s equally important to ensure that both partners feel comfortable in their shared living space. In cases where the home is small, and one partner has a demanding job, accommodating a long-term guest can cause unnecessary stress and resentment.”

She also highlights the importance of communication and mutual decision-making: “The key issue here is not just the sister’s visit, but the lack of clear communication and consideration for both partners’ needs. Hosting someone in a tight living space requires open discussion, agreed-upon expectations, and respect for each other’s comfort levels. Feeling guilty for setting a reasonable boundary is common, but it’s crucial to recognize that it is a valid concern.”

Dr. Simmons suggests that instead of blaming one another, the couple should find a compromise, such as splitting the cost of alternative accommodations or setting a shorter, more manageable timeframe for the sister’s stay.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Most people agree that OP is not being unreasonable for wanting to maintain his space and privacy. Many pointed out that the size of the apartment makes it impractical to host a long-term guest, especially without a prior discussion. Others noted that while it’s understandable that his girlfriend wants to see her sister, she shouldn’t have expected OP to sacrifice his comfort without even asking him first.

Maintaining a balance between family, relationships, and personal space is never easy, especially in a small living environment. OP’s desire for privacy and comfort does not make him selfish, and his girlfriend’s disappointment does not necessarily make her unreasonable either—it’s a matter of boundaries and communication.

Should OP compromise more, or is his girlfriend the one being unfair? How should couples navigate situations like this where one partner’s needs conflict with the other’s family ties? Let’s discuss.