Dear Landlord,
I hope my response is of some assistance to you.
I empathize with your situation, as I previously faced a similar challenge. My parents initially opposed our decision to live together due to geographical constraints. However, through persistent advocacy, we were able to secure their approval, and we are now thriving in our arrangement.
I advise you to:
1. Utilize non-violent communication to articulate your requirements and gain insight into your parents' sentiments.
The objective of communication is not to determine who is right and who is wrong, but to facilitate mutual understanding and foster the growth of the relationship.
It is essential to communicate effectively in relationships, express each other's needs and feelings promptly, and establish a stronger emotional connection and more frequent emotional exchange. One effective method is non-violent communication. The steps are: state the objective facts, express your feelings, express your needs, and request the other person's actions.
It is important to note that when stating facts, it is essential to maintain objectivity, avoiding any critical or accusatory language. It is also crucial to express needs and feelings that are genuinely your own. When making requests of the other party, it is vital to provide clear and specific instructions, with the more detailed the better, to ensure that the other person fully understands the required action.
For example, you can say to your parents: "I am sad, troubled, and feel helpless when you disapprove of my decision to be with... I especially hope to gain your understanding and support, and especially hope that you can bless me and respect my decision. Can you also discuss your feelings and thoughts so that I can understand the reasons why you disapprove?"
If the parents are willing to express their feelings and needs, it will facilitate a better understanding of their situation. For instance, if they feel that the other parent's home is too far away and that they may not be able to take care of them in the future, it is important to identify the underlying needs. If they feel insecure, it is essential to express your attitude or propose practical solutions to address their concerns. You can suggest that you will take them in, live together, visit often, hire someone to take care of them in the future, and that you will come back to live with them when they are old.
Such communication will facilitate a deeper understanding of each other's feelings and needs, fostering a stronger connection between you rather than merely resolving surface-level disagreements.
2. It is important to distinguish between your own issues and those of your parents, and to take responsibility for your own issues.
To manage interpersonal relationships effectively, including those with parents and partners, it is essential to learn to differentiate between issues, that is, to distinguish between one's own concerns and those of others. Take ownership of your life issues and refrain from attributing the problems of others to yourself.
How, then, can one distinguish between the two?
It is a straightforward concept: the individual who directly experiences the consequences of an action is responsible for that action.
For example, if a mother allows her child to wear short sleeves indoors in winter, she must accept the resulting consequences: her mother-in-law's disapproval, the possibility of the child catching a cold, and the child learning to perceive warmth and cold for himself and exercising his independence.
From another perspective, perfection is unattainable. However, it is imperative that we make our own decisions and accept the consequences of those decisions.
The mother-in-law's nagging is a separate issue, and the mother of the child is not responsible for addressing it. The mother-in-law may be nagging for various reasons, including those unrelated to the daughter-in-law. She may also be targeting other individuals. As a daughter-in-law, there is no need to become involved in this matter, as it is the mother-in-law's responsibility to resolve it.
It is therefore important to consider which aspects of this situation you are responsible for and which you are not. In my view, your own marriage is your own responsibility, and your choice of spouse is your own decision. However, once you have made a choice, you must accept the consequences. For instance, you may have to accept your parents' disapproval, take control of your married life, and handle the issues that arise.
If your parents disagree with your decisions, they may express their disagreement in a variety of ways, including anger, complaint, or accusation. This is an issue that they must address themselves. They have not adjusted their own perceptions. In fact, they want to control your life, which is already crossing the line. They can make suggestions, but ultimately, the one who makes the decisions is really only you. Because after you get married, you are the one who has to live your married life, and no one else can replace you.
Therefore, the final decision-making authority rests with you. It is essential to distinguish between your own responsibilities and those of others. Take ownership of your responsibilities and avoid attributing the responsibilities of others to yourself. This will streamline the decision-making process.
As previously stated, my parents initially disapproved of my marriage due to the distance between our families and their perception of the other person's appearance. However, I valued my boyfriend's sense of responsibility and ambition, and through persistent communication, I was able to secure my parents' approval.
I am pleased to report that we are currently enjoying a high level of marital satisfaction, and that my parents are becoming increasingly fond of my husband.
It is worth noting that, in the majority of cases, parents will eventually come to accept their child's decision as long as it is in line with their own expectations. Therefore, if you are confident that your choice will bring you happiness, it is advisable to stand firm. However, if you have doubts about your decision, it may be necessary to reconsider.
In any case, I wish you success in your endeavors.
Comments
I understand your pain and the complexity of your situation. It's heartbreaking to be in love but face such strong opposition from family. Communication is key; perhaps a heartfelt letter or conversation with your parents explaining how much he means to you could soften their stance.
The distance between cities seems to be a major issue for your parents. Maybe suggesting a plan where you both can find a way to be in the same city would help. Showing commitment to solving practical problems might make them see that you're serious about this relationship.
It's tough when love faces such challenges. Your parents' concerns are valid, but so are your feelings. Have you considered involving a neutral third party, like a counselor, who could mediate discussions between you and your parents? Sometimes an outside perspective can facilitate understanding.
Your story breaks my heart. It sounds like both sets of parents need to understand each other better. If his parents are supportive, they could play a vital role in bridging the gap between you and your family. A united front might just be what you need to show your parents that this relationship has solid backing.
This is such a difficult position to be in. I think it's important to honor your parents while also being true to yourself. Perhaps over time, as they see your happiness and stability with him, their resistance will lessen. Patience and persistence may eventually lead to acceptance.