My husband looked thoughtful, perhaps realizing for the first time how this situation was affecting me. “I understand,” he said finally, reaching for my hand. “Let’s figure out a way to have them over that’s comfortable for both of us.”

It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. We agreed to set specific visiting hours and to gently but firmly ask the in-laws to respect our home as we would respect theirs. It was a difficult conversation, but a necessary one. Our home is our sanctuary, a place where we should feel comfortable and respected. It took a while, but eventually, we found a balance that worked for everyone.