Hi! I am married for last 12 years. I am living with my wife, child and in laws at a house allotted to her by the company where she works. When the child was 1 year old I had to ask for help from my in laws. Since then they have stayed with us. (Inlaws have a flat nearby which they have rented as they have some health issues and are not willing to move out ). My relationship with my wife and in laws is in a difficult situation. Wife manages a number of household issues in consultation with her parents. This has often irked me forcing a late return from work and not conversing much with the inlaws. The child also seems to be getting hold of the situation and often ignores me. Recently there was an altercation between me and my wife when she asked me to stay away from them. (She says it whenever we fight over any family matter). Now, I am staying away at a secluded place for the past few days and have not receiveda single call from anyone. I don't know how to deal with all this. Kindly guide.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Overstaying can lead to this. But how can you ask them to leave, right? They are you in-laws and they have been kind enough to help your wife when she needed it.
But, hey it was for a brief time and sadly neither your wife nor your in-laws have understood and they have begun to like to overstaying.
I think you and your wife need to talk this over where you express that its time the two of you took charge and managed the situation at home. As for your in-laws you can always thank them immensely and respectfully ask them to visit soon after a few months. It's a very strategic way of doing this as there are people involved with real raw emotions which in this case can become a huge mess.
But for this to happen, you and your wife need to be in perfect agreement otherwise, the whole thing could be turned against you where you will be looked upon as a villain. So, please express your concerns with your wife and make her understand that as a family the two of you and child need to have your space and privacy to bond and grow.
All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
Asked on - Sep 01, 2024 | Answered on Sep 02, 2024
ListenExtremely grateful for your reply. I have been trying to communicate to my inlaws about my unhappiness about the whole scenario (including their overstay) but never had the courage to talk to them directly on this matter. My fear is that they may say that I took advantage of them when I needed their help. Another issue is that my own parents live in the same city and are much older with their own set of medical issues. It's been a difficult task to strike a balance. Is there any other way out? Our marriage is also at stake as she has asked for a divorce a couple of times.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I still maintain what I suggested for you in-laws...use the strategy suggested and not directly asking them to leave. I am sure you know how you can do this.
As for your parents, if they are in the same city, you can always think of hiring some help to take care of them and visit them when you can and also have them visit you. Aging parents need emotional support and when they know that their children are around emotionally, that gives them a lot of strength.
Divorce is loose and unnecessary word. Kindly do not use it unless you really mean it. It can permanently damage the marriage. And even if you mean it, saying it in anger is disrespectful; having a conversation and asking for divorce is very respectful rather than using it as a threat.
Marriage is a two-way street. You respect and earn the respect of your spouse.
All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/
Asked on - Sep 08, 2024 | Answered on Sep 08, 2024
ListenThanks a lot! Trying to work on your advice. Will update.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I appreciate you getting back. It will be great to read an update from you soon...
All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/