Grad Student’s Roommate Loses Her Mom and Believes She Doesn’t Have to Pay Her Part of the Rent Because of It

Death is unavoidable, but it always creeps up on us when we least expect it. Some people take a calmer attitude toward this, shall we say, process, while others find it very unsettling.

Perhaps the fear stems from the uncertainty that will inevitably descend upon us, or perhaps it arises from the simple hesitation of not wanting to say goodbye to our previously happy lives. It's heartbreaking to lose a loved one, and each person deals with it differently.

One of the most important things is accepting your emotions and having support. However, there is a limit to what tiers of support are expected to provide.

The first tier (family and close friends) is expected to help a lot, and they mostly do so without asking. But you shouldn't expect your coworkers, roommates, and acquaintances to provide the same level of support.

Some people don't really understand that. They believe their personal tragedy is a global tragedy.

And the world simply doesn't work that way. A Redditor going by the name u/troublewithrent posted a question: "AITA for asking my roommate to pay rent after her mom died?"

It is a complicated situation with one simple answer. Take a look at what it is:

Losing a loved one is difficult, but you shouldn't exploit friends' support because of it

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OP Wonders if She’s the A-hole for Not Wanting to Pay for Her Mourning Friend’s Rent

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Her Roommate's Mom Passed Away

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The Roommate Flew Home, but She Returned Quickly. She is Upset and Doesn't Work Much

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OP Took on All of the Chores to Help Her Roommate Out

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OP Asked Her for Rent Money Because It Was Due Soon

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But the Roommate Got Angry

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The Problem is That OP is a Grad Student and Doesn't Have Much Money. She Can't Afford to Pay the Whole Rent.

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OP Also Doesn't Want to Set a Precedent...

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OP Asked the Landlord for an Extension

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But She Couldn't Work It Out with Her Stubborn Roommate

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Even One of Their Mutual Friends Says OP Should Pay the Whole Rent

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Where is the Line for Support?

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The Redditors Were Unanimous

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Rent Must Be Paid

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OP Has Done Enough. Let the Landlord Deal with the Roommate

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Responsibilities Do Not Disappear When You Are Grieving

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Your Personal Tragedy is Not a Global Tragedy

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OP Has Done a Lot for Her Roommate. But There Are Lines...

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What Would She Do if She Were Living Alone?

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Eventually, OP Paid Only for Her Half of the Rent

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When a friend or coworker is going through a difficult moment, it's natural to want to be as considerate as possible. Supporting them, talking with them, and ensuring their emotional needs are covered—that's what you should do.

If you can also help financially, that would be great. But you are not obliged to.

This online user has done everything she could to help in a difficult situation, but her needy roommate believes it's not enough.

Well, that's really her problem, isn't it?