I don't feel that my experiences and background are sufficient to provide you with much in the way of advice about the logistical difficulties with your location versus where your family is located. That's a puzzle that doesn't seem to have a clear-cut answer.

I can confidently say that I don't like to be tied down to a rigid weekly schedule like the one you're dealing with (the Sunday dinners with his kids). I wouldn't like it even if the kids were mine biologically. Not only is it EVERY Sunday, but it's all dang day? No way.

It'd be helpful to know what, precisely, bothers him when you decide occasionally skip it? Also, what does he say about your feeling that your only role on those days is to play slave?

It appears to me that you and your family are not as welcoming to the newcomers as your boyfriend and his family to you and your family. You need to be more inclusive, after all you are together. It won't hurt to be the driving force to integrate both side of families.

I thought It is quite nice the family get together each Sunday to catch up. Not many families are as lucky. Not sure why you are so resentful toward this 'tradition' when the children, especially the young 15 years old only spend time with their father one day a week. I am not clear who is controlling as you indicated.

I doubt they want to slave you, why can't you be more open and ask them, including your boyfriend, to share cooking and cleaning so everyone share good time and housework.

You are very fortunate to meet a wonderful man in such a short period of time. Don't spoil the good relationship for issue like this that should be easy to resolve. I have friends who have been widowed or divorced for more than 10 years, they would be happy to be in your situation.

There are some families who really feel that everyone has to stay in the place they are from. That would drive me nuts but I have a friend in this situation and she loves it and views it as normal. What are the positives for you in the new place? As far as the Sunday thing goes, can you talk to him about taking some of the visit time for yourself and then some for them? It's nice that he sees his children but do u have to be there the whole time? Isn't it better to give them a little private time? If you are just there to provide the meal I would negotiate that. Maybe you cook every third time or so and then the others they can do-cookout, pizza night, etc? And if you cook, they should clean up. That is our house rule and I don't think it is unreasonable at all!!

How far away did you move? Are you both equidistant from family?

Ps if he doesn't hear you on these simple matters and will not negotiate, I would be outta there.

Thanks everyone, he is a wonderful man and will compromise in most areas. And yes my family hasn't accepted him as easy as his did. So I'm working on that. All mine going out to dinner tomorrow and coming back to our home to visit. With the passing of my belated they seem to have needed more time, however they love me and will on their time. Back to my bf, the Sunday thing I believe is a expected from him, not fair to kids. He left a marriage went wrong. Mutual agreement. He has a fit when they can't come and I feel joy inside. I'm sure we will work it out, I'm crazy in love with him

Where we live It's closer to his family....

If your family really love you, why they would accept your bf and his family on YOUR FAMILY's term/time instead of based on what is best for YOUR interest?

You said Sunday thing is your bf's expectation from him, and you love him, then why do you say 'He has a fit when they can't come and I feel joy inside'? these may be rather harsh questions - Aren't you and your family hypocritical and self centered? No? What is the definition of 'Love'?

He gives kids a fit if they don't come it's like they're obligated...they tell me 1st Dads gonna be mad. I enjoy the break...quiet relaxing day. My family are somehow stuck back when getting past my belated. My family feel he moved me away and isolated me and everythings about his family. Yes they want me happy but feel cheated...don't see me often.

Do you think your family might really be thinking that this is all a little fast? That moving in was a bit premature? Is there any truth to this idea that you are isolated? Questions to ponder...

Well, if you're halfway between your respective families, and _his_ kids come to visit weekly, why can't your kids visit more often instead of whinging that they don't see you much?

My kids and grandkids and parents did friday and I think it's gonna happen more! It's Sunday and I'm going to church to see my parents then home with his kids. I think its getting better everyday! Thanks for all your advice!

I'm confused. You said that your boyfriend moved you away from your family (1/2 way between the 2 families), but then you say that you often visit your family on Sundays when his kids are there. And you say that your family resents him for moving you away and that you don't see them often. But you can see them in church and otherwise on Sundays. And they "did" Friday.

Sorry, but I'm having a very hard time following what you're saying.

Both of you being willing to see both families as a couple would seem to be key. I would also suggest that you leave at least one weekend a month for just the two of you, or for time to yourself. Personally I would go nuts if I got locked into a family every weekend scenario...

I only go to church 1 or 2 Sundays a month and we live closer to his family. I planned a getaway to the beach so I will have 3 whole days of bliss with him including Sunday. We don't visit my family together that often.

I love the man!

Working together we will make it!