When it comes to family gatherings, some people just want to blend in with the crowd. While others prefer to stand out and be a part of the family fold.
Chloe says she doesn't see why Edwin expects her to attend every family gathering, even if it means stepping away from other commitments that are important to her. "I need my own space sometimes," she says. But for Chloe's husband Edwin, family is at the centre of everything.
Edwin grew up in a big, boisterous Colombian family and feels like he needs his partner by his side when they're with relatives. He wants Chloe to feel included and be part of the "us" that includes his extended family. But sometimes that means putting pressure on her to attend events when she's not feeling up to it.
The problem is, Edwin expects too much of Chloe. While he loves kids and being around his family, he forgets that Chloe is a different person with different needs. She grew up without a close relationship with her parents, so she values her independence and likes her own space.
Edwin's expectation that Chloe should always be there for him and his family can come across as thoughtless. He dismisses her need to take care of herself and says she's being rude if she needs time alone. But maybe he just doesn't understand why she needs some time for herself.
Chloe wants Edwin to see things from her perspective. She says she understands that family is important, but it's not fair to expect her to put on a show all the time. She should be able to say no or take a break when she needs to, just like anyone else.
So is Edwin expecting too much of Chloe? The answer is yes, at least sometimes. He needs to understand that his partner has different boundaries and needs, even if it means adjusting his own expectations.
Chloe says she doesn't see why Edwin expects her to attend every family gathering, even if it means stepping away from other commitments that are important to her. "I need my own space sometimes," she says. But for Chloe's husband Edwin, family is at the centre of everything.
Edwin grew up in a big, boisterous Colombian family and feels like he needs his partner by his side when they're with relatives. He wants Chloe to feel included and be part of the "us" that includes his extended family. But sometimes that means putting pressure on her to attend events when she's not feeling up to it.
The problem is, Edwin expects too much of Chloe. While he loves kids and being around his family, he forgets that Chloe is a different person with different needs. She grew up without a close relationship with her parents, so she values her independence and likes her own space.
Edwin's expectation that Chloe should always be there for him and his family can come across as thoughtless. He dismisses her need to take care of herself and says she's being rude if she needs time alone. But maybe he just doesn't understand why she needs some time for herself.
Chloe wants Edwin to see things from her perspective. She says she understands that family is important, but it's not fair to expect her to put on a show all the time. She should be able to say no or take a break when she needs to, just like anyone else.
So is Edwin expecting too much of Chloe? The answer is yes, at least sometimes. He needs to understand that his partner has different boundaries and needs, even if it means adjusting his own expectations.