Don't Take Advantage Even Though We Tell You To

Oh man, I am STEAMING right now.

So. Here's what happened:

We had a family meeting because my Dad's out of a job and we can't afford cleaning ladies anymore. So my mom wrote up a long list detailing all the chores to be done around the house. And we're reviewing the list whatever, the things to do every other week, the things to do once a month, etc...

And I figure while we're reviewing things, I can ask about people putting their own damn dishes in the dishwasher, and she's like, "Sure, why not? And if you're away for a day, you can even ask Lauren to do them for you." And she's all in a good mood and such.

And then my Dad enters the conversation. "Well. Just so long as you don't wait until the sink is piled high and then ask her to do them," he says. "We don't want you to take advantage of your sister."

I stare at him.

He goes on: "Well, you know, good relationships are the ones where...uh....a...person...feels uh....lucky...umm.....to have another...I mean, the other...person....other person's help," he stumbles over his words, because I think I'm looking at him incredulously. Like, Sorry Dad, but when did you become some kind of expert on relationships? You who were gone at work through the majority of my younger years and now suddenly expect to have a "healthy" relationship with me despite constantly being on my back about my weight, my finances, my relationships?

"I haven't asked her to do the dishes at all," I say. "Not once."

"Well," he counters, "She's done them sometimes anyway."

"Yes," I say, "And I appreciate it, but I never ASKED her. I'm not trying to take advantage of her."

"Well," he looks like he's suddenly lost his control on the situation, "Well just don't be taking advantage of your sister," he says again.

I say nothing. I'm pretty sure my eyes are saying "FUCK YOU FOR EVEN IMPLICATING THAT."

I almost got up and left right there.

But I managed to stay to cover the last few things on the list. And now I'm here. Writing this. Fuming.