Stepmom renovates spare room for her office, 16-year-old demands to use it as her bedroom: 'Her room is bigger than mine'

Everybody is entitled to personal space at home.

A lot of living situations make it not very easy for a person to enjoy a place that is all for them. Still, it can make a world of difference to someone's peace of mind and happiness if they are lucky enough to have this. It is reassuring to know that there is a place to retreat to when it all gets too much.

The thing about sharing a home with anyone, but in particular family members, is that the importance of somebody having their own space is not always going to be properly valued. Some may feel that they should be allowed to go wherever they please, even when privacy is necessary, and arguments are liable to break out over who has the right to be in what area.

Standing your ground over the right to have your own space is something that a lot of people feel strongly about. Alone time is vital for many if they want to stay sane. Another person's entitlement cannot get in the way of this fundamental need, not least if there are more than enough rooms in a home to go around.

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In this story, a 16-year-old moved bedrooms in her dad and stepmom's house as a child, because she claimed she didn't like the space. After a few years, the stepmom decided to use her own money to renovate it and turn it into an office and library for her personal use.
However, once it was finished, her stepdaughter decided that she wanted to switch back to this room for her bedroom. The stepmom didn't feel this was appropriate, as she already had her own space, but her husband was backing up his daughter. She wondered if she was in the wrong.
Am I overreacting for not wanting to give my step daughter the room I finished renovating?

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