I’ve been with my fiancé, Adam, for six years, and we were set to marry next month. We visited my parents to introduce him to more of my extended family. Although Adam preferred a hotel, we stayed in my old room for nostalgia. “I don’t see why staying in your childhood home is going to change anything,” Adam said when packing for the trip.

Everything went smoothly at first, with a warm family welcome and a delightful dinner. However, Adam couldn’t sleep that night due to discomfort. I suggested he take a walk outside, hoping fresh air would help. Moments later, his scream woke me up. He returned, furious, shouting, “Your mom! Sasha! Your mother! She’s kissing another man in the foyer!”

I tried to calm him, explaining my parents’ unconventional marriage, but he felt betrayed. “You should have told me!” he said, upset. This revelation stirred painful memories of his mother’s infidelity and his parents’ divorce. Adam left for a hotel to reevaluate our engagement.

I joined him at the hotel, and we decided to move to my grandmother’s house. Despite apologies from my parents, the incident had left a rift. On the drive home, we agreed to stay together but pursue therapy. “I need to uncover my own trauma before accepting your parents,” Adam said. Now, we’re working through our fears and shame to heal and move forward.