I’m Kota, 36. I live with my wife Kana, 32, and our 5-year-old son Yusuke. My parents have always been kind people. They’ve been living off their pension for a few years now, and I’ve wanted to either live with them or at least help support them financially. But Kana was completely against it. I understand she wants to use our money for “our own family,” but I also want to repay the parents who raised me. The problem is, Kana always believes she’s right—if I disagree, she loses her temper, so trying to reason with her is exhausting.
Kana seemed upset that we didn’t order the most expensive course. But I know my parents stretched their limited pension just to treat us and spoil their grandson. Kana knows that too. I even offered to pay for dinner myself, though I knew Kana would snap, saying, “Why are you spending our money on your parents?!” Still, I was ready for that But my dad smiled and said, “Come on, let us do this much for you.”
I’m trapped between Kana’s constant outbursts and my parents’ feelings—and it’s tearing me apart.