My older brother suddenly brought home his girlfriend Regina, excitedly announcing to Mom that she was pregnant.

Mom was thrilled - this would be her first grandchild.

Just as Mom was about to tell our housekeeper to get the best prenatal vitamins, Regina cut in.

There she sat on our couch, arms crossed and legs perfectly positioned, acting like she already owned the place.

"Since we're going to be family," Regina said with a smirk, "I believe in being upfront. To avoid any... future issues, I've prepared some ground rules." She pulled out a piece of paper. "I've written everything down. Feel free to discuss any concerns."

Mom took the paper with a raised eyebrow, and I peeked over her shoulder.

Holy cow - I nearly fell over when I saw what was on it.

This wasn't a list of rules - it was a fifty-point manifesto!

She had demands for everything - from daily routines to major family decisions - and every single item was totally over the top.

Get this: she wanted our house put in her name and would "generously" give Mom and me each a measly $200 monthly allowance.

She even demanded Mom hand over all her jewelry and valuables - and if Mom wanted to wear any of it, she'd need Regina's permission!

She even tried to dictate our bedtimes and when we should wake up. Can you believe it?

I was fuming, but Mom? She stayed cool as a cucumber and - get this - actually nodded approvingly!

"Well, well," Mom said, "for someone so young, you've certainly thought things through."

I was speechless. Was Mom actually going along with this?

Just that second rule about kicking me out had me ready to explode.

So I turned to Regina: "What gives you the right to kick me out just because you're marrying in? This has been my home for over twenty years!"

Regina just gave me this condescending look.

"You're the daughter. You'll have to leave eventually when you get married. Better now than later - saves us all the drama of future conflicts."

Give me a break! What era does she think this is? Who says daughters HAVE to move out? Our family has never played favorites between sons and daughters.

Growing up, whatever my brother got, I got too - sometimes even more!