Another area of conflict common in families that live together is when they impose their visitors on you. This is an imposition on personal space.
You are have had a busy day and would like to switch off and unwind and "Ding-dong!" The door bell chimes and its your sister in law with her 6 kids who says hello and beams, "We've come to visit grandma!".
Another scenario here could be that you have finished your housework and have made a plan to get together with a friend for coffee, your just about to leave and "Ding-Dong!" The door bell chimes, and its MILs best-friend. Your MIL looks at you and asks you to fix the tea.
This could work the other way where your in-laws have had a fulfilling week with their children, and they would like to have a peaceful time in front of CNN, when all of a sudden, you arrive with your MPV full of school children and tell everyone brightly "Junior's having a slumber party with his closest friends!"
Always try to be considerate when having friends, and encourage your in-laws to do the same. Give each other advance notice so you can mentally prepare yourselves.
If your in-laws do not give you notice, and have company over unexpectedly, or even - give you notice, but have company over so often that you have no peace, work on finding a healthy balance where both parties can be happy.
A compromise will have to be made, and both parties may have to make a sacrifice - but rest assured, having a harmonious house is much more important than getting your way all of the time.
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