Holly feels overwhelmed every Sunday after hosting her in-laws, as she ends up cleaning everything alone while her husband offers little help. Although her husband’s family once supported them in buying their home, the constant mess and stress from these visits are taking a toll on her. She wants to find a way to balance gratitude with setting boundaries.

One solution is to have an open, calm conversation with her husband and his family. Holly should express how exhausting it is for her and suggest they either help with the cleanup, bring their own dishes, or contribute to hiring a cleaning service. A rotation system for hosting Sunday lunches could also fairly distribute the responsibilities.

If direct communication is difficult, seeking help from a counselor or mediator could guide the discussion and prevent conflict. This would create a safe space to address feelings and agree on practical solutions that work for everyone.

Most importantly, Holly needs to prioritize self-care and set boundaries. She should take time for herself after gatherings and remember that maintaining her well-being isn’t selfish. A clean house matters, but her peace of mind matters more.