Privacy issues within marriage are often a sensitive topic, especially when in-laws are involved.
According to mStar, a recent social media post has drawn widespread attention after a netizen sought opinions on behalf of a friend who found herself in an uncomfortable situation while holidaying with her in-laws.
‘Is it normal?’
According to the post, the woman was shocked when her husband informed her that they would be sharing a single hotel room with his parents throughout the trip.
Is it normal for a married couple to share a room with their parents-in-law?”
She explained that her friend was travelling with her in-laws when her husband revealed that he had only booked one hotel room for everyone.
The room, she clarified, was a family room with two queen-sized beds, not a connecting room or separate units.
“It was a single room with two queen beds,” she wrote, emphasising that there was no physical separation between the couple and parents-in-law.
The situation reportedly clashed with the wife’s upbringing, as her own family places strong importance on privacy, particularly for married couples.
However, the woman’s husband reportedly defended the decision by saying his family was already accustomed to such arrangements.
He explained that whenever they travel, they usually book just one room to save costs and spend more time together as a family.
Netizens’ reaction
The post quickly gained traction, prompting mixed reactions from the public.
However, many netizens disagreed with the arrangement and stressed that such practices should not be normalised, citing concerns over personal boundaries, privacy, and aurat even when it comes to one’s parents-in-law.
One wrote: ‘If you’re uncomfortable, just say you can’t join or be honest that you’re not used to sharing a room. Wait until there’s enough budget, then plan again.’
Another said she would still feel uneasy even if she could dress casually in front of her father-in-law. Others suggested practical solutions, such as paying extra to book a second room or requesting connecting rooms from the hotel reception.
