A woman wrote to advice columnist R. Eric Thomas about feeling overwhelmed by her sister-in-law’s sudden move to her hometown and subsequent reliance on her and her husband for companionship. The woman explained that she expected her sister-in-law to establish her own life and friendships upon moving closer, but instead, she has become their primary source of social interaction. This has caused strain in the woman’s marriage, as she wishes to spend more quality time with her husband without always including her sister-in-law in their plans.
Thomas advised the woman to have an open and honest conversation with her sister-in-law. He suggested gently explaining their need for alone time and encouraging her to explore activities and events within her own community. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of discussing long-term care plans with the sister-in-law to ensure she has a clear plan in place for the future.
Ultimately, Thomas recommended setting boundaries and having candid discussions to address the situation before it escalates further. By openly communicating their needs and concerns, the woman and her husband can navigate this delicate situation with compassion and tact. Readers were encouraged to send in their own questions to Thomas for advice on similar matters.
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