So I have an idiot sister-in-law

[ificandream]

She's disabled, lives at home alone and is unable to do some things for herself. My wife does her shopping and tends to her cats. However, my wife sprained her knee a few days ago and is on a crutch right now (an improvement over two at the beginning of this) to get around, but she asked me yesterday to clean the cat litter. I've done it before so I didn't have a problem with it.

When we got to the door, my sister-in-law wasn't wearing a mask. (We were both masked. I wear double masks. Both of us have dealt with stage 1 cancer, though we've both recovered, for what that's worth.) In the past she had no problem with it. I asked her nicely to put one on and she started arguing with me, saying "Will it come through the air?" Well, yes it will, I said. Further, your neighbor across the street (nice, elderly man we know) recently tested positive. I don't know how he's doing, though I assume it was asymptomatic. I think we would have heard otherwise.

I asked her twice and she still adamantly refused to wear one. At that point, I was about ready to walk out the door, but I didn't and took care of business, which was in a separate room from where she was. I quickly walked out when I was done and let her know I was not pleased.

I've told my wife I'm not going back unless things change. What should we do, though, if she refuses to accommodate a simple request?

[RKP5637]

1. "What should we do, though, if she refuses to accommodate a simple request?"

To me, it's easy, just don't go back, maybe she will get a clue! I've had it.

[Trueblue1968]

12. tell the Rumper to GET STUFFED and can clean up her own cat poop.

[elleng]

2. Simply refuse to accommodate her request(s.)

[ret5hd]

3. Hah! I came to do YOU a favor! BYE!

[MLAA]

4. I'd play hardball for a bit until she relents.

I assume she has enough groceries she won’t starve if you don’t bring groceries for a while, she just won’t have what she wants. Further, I expect it will get pretty stinky with the litter box not cared for. I do not have cats, so not sure if not taking care of the litter box for a bit would put the cat at risk.

In any case, I’d tell her right away that your support is on hold until she wears a mask. You could also leave her phone numbers/ online links to ordering groceries and housekeeping services should she decide not to ever wear a mask.

[Geechie]

5. Tell her to clean her own damn litterbox

[mercuryblues]

7. I had a rule when my kids were growing up

I am not going to beg you to do something you want to do.

IOW you want me to help you, mask up.

[Phoenix61]

8. She seems confused about who is helping who.

A reminder may help her memory.

[ificandream]

9. Thanks for the suggestions ....

Hopefully, this thing will settle easily.

[Lunabell]

10. She's physically challenged.

Not mentally. So, you should protect yourselves first.

[Callalily]

11. Your sister-in-law is extremely selfish.

Even if she doesn't believe in wearing a mask, she should at your request.

That said, no mask, no help! As stated above, you have to take care of yourself first.

[tanyev]

13. How the heck does she think so many people are getting sick if it doesn't come through the air?