Dear Annie: Closed door, open heart

Dear Annie: One of my cousins lives about two hours away. Her parents are deceased, and she is estranged from her siblings. She has been in the hospital several times for mental health care. I believe she is bipolar but don’t know that for sure. Because she lives alone now, we invite her to family gatherings for the holidays.

About once a month, I will receive a burst of text messages from her, sometimes 20 or more at a time, telling me about something that is going on in her life. Recently, in one of those bursts, she said she wants to move and might like to rent a room from a relative. I reminded her that she has a comfortable home in a place where she already knows people and that it can be hard to establish a new network of friends and support in a new place. She said she knows all of that but wants to move anyway.

I am worried that she is hinting that she would like to move in with my spouse and me. We have a large, comfortable home with spare bedrooms now that our children are on their own. But we enjoy our home as it is and don’t want anyone else living here with us. I know that is selfish, but I just don’t see how it could work to have my cousin live with us. If she asks directly if she can move in, I plan to tell her no. Am I wrong? – Caring Cousin

Dear Caring Cousin: There is nothing wrong with enjoying a quiet home with you and your husband. You are very kind to invite your cousin over for the holidays and family gatherings. Setting boundaries with family members is the right thing to do. It is your house, and you have a right to keep it as is.

It sounds like she might be experiencing a manic episode. Sometimes during a manic episode, people can experience risk-taking behaviors, hyperactivity or impulsive decisions. Check-in with her and ask her how she is feeling, how life is going and if she is getting treatment for her mental health. Really listen, too. It has to be difficult for her to be completely estranged from her siblings. Maybe this could be an opportunity for her to seek some real help.

In no way, shape or form are you responsible for her. Be kind and loving to her while protecting your personal space. Everyone will be better off for it in the long run.