It can be challenging to live with in-laws, particularly if you’re young, traveling with a newborn, and attempting to make ends meet in this crazy world. However, when the expectations start to pile up faster than soiled clothes, things may get much more complicated.

Imagine this: just when you’re attempting to balance your new role as a parent with home responsibilities, your mother-in-law appears out of nowhere and demands that you take on the role of the family’s live-in maid. That’s exactly what I experienced, and I can assure you that it wasn’t a fun day spent under this circus tent.

Imagine this delightful scenario: after a difficult day of juggling everything, I come home one day to find my refuge has been robbed. Yes, everything I own.Vanished. Poof. disappeared from my room like David Copperfield had just dropped by.

Rather than exuding a warm and inviting aura, my mother-in-law prepared my suitcase ahead of time and placed it near the entrance. What were her exact words? “You’re not welcome in my house if you can’t follow my rules.” Hurt! That had more impact than an Olympic athlete’s brick.

And during all of this drama, where do you suppose my brilliant hero was hiding? Probably contemplating dinner while on the side. His brilliant fix? “Maybe it would be best if you and the baby spent some time at your parents’ house until everything settled down.” Really, what am I saying?

After uprooting my entire life and traveling great distances to be with him, I arrived at our new home expecting to be welcomed like an unwelcome guest. I’m back in the same house now, but everything is colder than a polar bear’s toenails after all this turmoil.

So here I am, stuck in a difficult situation. It feels more difficult than ever to stand my ground. But did you know that being “in-law” can sometimes seem like being “out-law”? My pals, you’ll constantly be speculating about life!➕