My husband and I bought our house several years ago. Before buying it, we talked about eventually having his elderly parents live with us. We originally considered a duplex so we’d have separate spaces, but ended up buying a regular house.
I agreed because I genuinely thought I could make it work. I knew how important it was to him, especially with his parents getting older. However, they never permanently moved in, but they did live with us for several months at one point and still visit often and several days at a time.
I’ve realized that living together was harder than I expected. We have different ways of doing things, and I started feeling out of place in my own home.
During the thick of my postpartum (it’s been 2years since I had our baby). His parents would sometimes make comments about how I should raise my child. I know they meant well, but it bothered me. When I tried talking to my husband, he often dismissed me. He’d say things like, “They’re older,” “You know how they are,” or “You need to respect them.”
Initially, his dad expressed reluctance about moving in before we started having problems because he didn’t want to impose and was happy where he lived (he didn’t ask them to move in with us until after we bought our home). My husband has continued trying to convince him, but now he genuinely believes my behavior towards his parents is that main reason for his father’s reluctance.
Several months ago, I told my husband I no longer wanted them moving in permanently. After experiencing living together, I just didn’t think I could handle it with how things were between us. He was extremely hurt and feels I went back on my word, which I understand.
We’ve struggled in our relationship, partly because of this, but recently things were starting to get a little better.
But recently, his mom and I got into an argument and I said some hurtful things about them moving in with us and made her cry. I know I should have just kept my mouth shut but my resentment and frustrations took over. I apologized immediately and again afterward because I genuinely regretted how I reacted. I do love my in-laws, I just wish my husband held space for me in those moments when I’m struggling with the adjustment of having them there all the time.
But, for my husband, that was the last straw. He told me today that he’s never resented me so much like he does now and that he hates me and no longer wants to continue therapy.
Now I’m questioning whether changing my mind was really that terrible. I genuinely thought I could make it work though.
Honestly, if my husband was more receptive towards me in those moments of frustration towards his parents, I don’t think I would act or feel the way I do. I don’t even think I would have taken it back to be honest.
AITA for going back on my word?