I’m 26 and my sister is 31. She’s had problems in the past with drug addiction and theft and has been arrested twice. She’s *always* taken my stuff without asking, and I’ve always been a door mat about it.

Now, however, things are different. I’m married. Due to financial difficulties my husband and I are forced to live here with my mother and sister. My sister kept coming in our bedroom when we were gone, taking things, plundering, then denying it. She stole a bottle of rum and when I found it in her room and asked her about it she denied that it was mine. Then eventually she promised to replace it. That was MONTHS ago. It has caused a huge strain on our relationship, especially since she should completely respect that I’m now married and this is mine and my husband’s room, not just mine.

Finally we bought a new doorknob with a lock. Just the kind that twists to lock and opens with a key. She acted highly ticked off when we installed it (she knew we were doing it to keep her out) but now I’m afraid she’s been picking it when we’re both gone. Some more of our rum went missing from the bottle (it was a wedding gift. We’re neither frequent drinkers but we like it once in a while). Today when we got home I noticed some things out of place, and my radar was up at once. She had to have picked the lock somehow and got in here, probably looking for pain pills I recently had after oral surgery. (she claims to be ‘clean’ but I do not believe it. unlucky for her, I keep those pills in my purse and with me at all times).

I’m so sick of having to be paranoid. I don’t want a huge blow up between her and my husband, but I know he’ll stand up to her when she pushes too far. I don’t know what to do. We can’t afford a more expensive lock. I desperately, DESPERATELY want to move out. I hate to think of doing it because it’ll leave my sweet, soft-hearted mother to deal with my evil sister by herself… but this is wearing on my new marriage. It’s wearing on me and causing me so much stress and anxiety. Standing up to her and telling her to stop won’t do any good. She’ll just deny she’s done anything. My mother won’t kick her out, and if she tells her to stop… still no good.

I’m starting to hate my sister and it kills me to admit that. I don’t wish any harm on her but I’m looking forward to the day we can move out and just not have to deal with her anymore. Sadly, I’m out of work and my husband barely makes enough to cover our current bills. 🙁