Thank you for sharing your thoughts so openly. Your example about your mother struck a deep chord—there’s so much unspoken pain in these dynamics that linger through generations.

The preference for sons is a familiar mindset here as well. While some changes are happening, the deep-rooted obsession with having boys over girls often boils down to them being seen as future caretakers or breadwinners. It's frustrating how such biases continue to persist, even when society is evolving.

I do not deny the role of women in homemaking. It is significant and isn’t inherently negative. But when you mix in these complicated dynamics between mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, and daughters-in-law, it creates an overwhelming web of unspoken rules and burdens. These unsaid expectations often rob people of their peace, leading to resentment, sorrow, and sometimes even rebellion.

Your point about questioning traditions really resonates with me. I feel the same—without those who dare to challenge the norms, nothing ever changes. But would I ever be that person…? This is something not well taken by society. People cling to their preferences, their ideologies, and there’s this patriarchy that permeates everything. The mothers-in-law are always superior—they’ve mastered the art of control, especially over their sons. Emotional manipulation becomes a subtle, yet powerful, tool. And then, in the later stages of life, this lingering dilemma emerges: the role of a caretaker that a son is expected to adopt.

It’s a complex web, isn’t it? On one hand, there’s tradition demanding filial loyalty, and on the other, there’s the struggle of new relationships to find their footing amidst these entrenched dynamics. It makes me wonder—can one ever break free from this cycle without shattering the fragile fabric of family? And if so, how does one strike a balance?