One of the biggest mistakes I made in my marriage was letting other people, especially in-laws and family, have too much say. At first, it looked like they were only giving advice, but little by little, it became too much. I was always being compared and judged, and it started to feel like I didn’t belong in my own home... I ended up feeling like a stranger where I should have felt safe.

Fights that should have ended in private became talks for everyone. Every little problem was reported. Every decision had to be discussed with others. Slowly, the love we had changed into pain and pressure. Our marriage didn’t break just because of us—it broke because we let too many voices speak into our home.

Ladies, please learn from me. Don’t let others control your home. Set your rules early. Respect your partner and ask to be respected too. Keep your marriage private and safe. A marriage is for two people, not for the whole world. Don’t let others destroy the love you are trying to grow.

—Annie Macaulay