Do you agree, or does it make you sad, when you read letters to advice columnists from people complaining that their in-laws are too intrusive? Even worse, what would you do if your spouse actually likes his/her parents and plans to have them live with you if/when the time comes?
Are you reluctant to share your “space”? Having your own space used to be a big deal, but what about now? Are you one of those fussing because an in-law pops in unannounced, or have you started to recognize that loneliness can hit hard at any age?
For years you may have thought that your immediate family and perhaps a few superficial friends were enough, but then the pandemic came along. No problem, you thought, at least at first, because you finally had the space you had been dreaming about.
By now you may have noticed that “space” isn’t all it is cracked up to be. A drop in visit from a mother-in-law or an old friend would be lovely, and even the thought of a granny flat would be better than being alone.
The pandemic is changing the way we are think about multigenerational inclusion. Just the thought that you might never see members of your own family again is almost unthinkable.
Times have changed and multigenerational households could very well be the “new normal.” Children are attending classes from home, the jobless are banding together for support, and family is becoming important again. If you have spent too much time cultivating “your own space” you may find life quite challenging now. If nothing else the pandemic has taught us all that we need each other
It may be time to allow lonely in-laws back into your life. Having someone nearby who loves you unconditionally, is willing to help you out no matter what, and is known to be virus free, can be priceless. Sharing the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other responsibilities can make a difference. You can make a difference.
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