Is joint family a necessity

 Thinking of writing about this topic for a very long time.

A family comprises of father, mother and children. All others are outsiders only. This includes all types of in laws. Jokes are made about MIL and DIL problems. And this real existing problem is never discussed about on a serious note. The mental agony which affects the physical well being too is never addressed.

As my akka says, every Goundamani needs a Senthil. Or let us put it this way, every Tom needs a Jerry. We need someone always to boss about or to torture. MIL or DIL whoever is stronger in a family makes the other person's life a living hell. This happens in every family, where non family members (in laws, maybe husband's or wife's) co exist with family members. One emotionally destroying the other, always a sort of war zone effect. It's anything but funny.

That's why Bible clearly says "For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh". In the current scenario, it's applicable for women too. Woman too shall leave her parents and cleave to her husband.

Once you get married, leave your parents place and cleave to your life partner. This doesn't mean parents are not to be cared for. But living separately from your parents makes sure that your life partner needn't compete with your parents and siblings for your affection and attention. Also your parents are not abused by your life partner if at all life partner is stronger.

You can have your parents next door and visit them any number of times a day. But living under the same roof can be avoided. Once they are too ill to take care of themselves, you can take them in. Till then, Let's leave each other their personal place : it may be our son or daughter.