Despite my busy schedule, I find myself having to be the one to initiate contact with my husband’s side of the family. If I didn’t, we would likely never see them. Maintaining family connections is important to me, and I’m happy to make the effort, but I feel it’s a shared responsibility.

"But when it comes to family, I believe that no one should assume the burden alone; communication is a two-way street, and phones work both ways."

During holiday visits, she rents an Airbnb for part of her stay and spends the other nights at her dad’s house or with friends.

Her response is that she doesn’t intend to hurt me, but she feels she should be able to stay wherever she prefers. What truly stings is that she doesn’t seem to care about how her choice affects me, focusing only on her own comfort.

In today's Dear Annie column, Annie Lane shares a letter from a reader that reminds others communication is a two-way street.

I urge you to pick up the phone and make a plan if you’d like to connect. We can’t always know when you want to visit or talk, and none of us can read minds. Shouldn’t the effort to stay connected be mutual and made together as a family?

This ongoing conflict leaves me questioning my decision to step back. Am I in the wrong for prioritizing my own needs?