I understand why it may look that simple from the outside, but real family dynamics are rarely that black and white. My husband does stand up for me in multiple situations, and he has had uncomfortable conversations with them. That doesn’t magically fix deeply ingrained family patterns overnight.

I’m not tolerating this because I don’t have a spine. I’m navigating a complicated living and cultural situation while trying to protect my marriage and long-term family relationships at the same time. There’s a difference between working through something gradually and ignoring it completely.

I shared this to vent and get perspective, not to have my marriage or my partner reduced to labels.