For the past 12 years, my husband has been taking a week-long vacation to the islands with his family—every single year. But he never included me or our kids. When I finally asked why, he explained:

“My mom doesn’t want to see any in-laws on that trip, and I don’t want to deal with the kids by myself.”

I couldn’t believe it. For over a decade, his family enjoyed a fun getaway while my family and I stayed behind. This year, just a week before his departure, I decided I had enough. I picked up the phone and called my mother-in-law.

“Why don’t you allow Tom to take us on vacation? Don’t you consider us family?” I asked.

There was silence on the other end, then she finally replied:

“I thought you hated sand, sun, and bugs. I didn’t want you to suffer while we enjoy ourselves.”

I was shocked. All this time, I had assumed exclusion and favoritism—but it turned out there had been a misunderstanding. My mother-in-law actually wanted us to come, and my husband had never mentioned it, thinking we wouldn’t enjoy it.

After a long conversation, plans were finally made. This year, our entire family will go to the islands together, something we’ve all been missing out on for years.