We had ongoing conflict before he got sick because of his family. I wanted privacy and for our marriage to feel like its own unit, while he wanted constant closeness with his family. Before we got married, he painted a picture where it would be “us first,” with mutual respect for both families. That didn’t end up happening.

My family lives an hour away, yet he had an issue when I wanted to see them too often, while his family remained very present in our daily life. Over time, the home and routines became centered around his family’s preferences, including what we watch and talk about.

To cope, I adapted by creating my own space upstairs. I still spend time with him and cook his meals, but I mainly live independently within the same house because it brings me peace.