A man’s basement is his sanctuary, but when his mother-in-law moves in with the family, his wife wants to convert the man cave into a MIL suite. The man is hesitant to give up his space and suggests that the kids share a room instead. His wife calls him selfish and stubborn, leading to a fight that’s been ongoing for weeks. With neither of them willing to budge, the relationship is suffering. Will the man have to give up his space or is he being an a**hole about it? Read on to find out.
Stepdad defends man cave from MIL intrusion ️

Family moves in and loves it, but what about the man cave?

Respecting boundaries when accommodating family members during difficult times.

Sacrificing the man cave for MIL? It’s not that simple

Man defends his beloved man cave from MIL invasion

Man stands firm on ‘man cave’, proposes MIL take second bedroom.

Man stands his ground on ‘man cave’ against MIL’s intrusion

Man defends his ‘man cave’ against MIL invasion

Husband defends man cave against MIL, wife calls him selfish.

When the ‘man cave’ becomes a battleground

Struggling to surrender ‘man cave’ for MIL, am I selfish?

Husband refuses to give up man cave for mother-in-law ♂️
A man inherited his parents’ house where he currently resides with his wife and stepchildren. His mother-in-law is set to move in, but the couple is at odds over where she will stay. The husband has a fully furnished basement, which he converted into a man cave, but his wife wants to turn it into a MIL suite. He argues that he has worked hard on the space and does not want it to change. The wife insists that it is their home and that the kids need their own rooms. The conflict has escalated, with the wife calling him an a**hole and their relationship suffering. What should he do? Read on for some interesting perspectives and opinions from our readers.
Female commenters support OP’s decision to not give up personal space for MIL.

NTA. Suggesting a solution where everyone wins

Consideration for MIL’s loneliness not enough to justify invasion . NTA.

New wife’s entitlement causes tension over MIL’s living arrangements

NTA- Keeping personal space is important. Visit/call/take MIL out more.

Stand your ground and keep your man cave, it’s important for your sanity
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Maintaining privacy in own home is crucial for this commenter.

Questioning fairness of space sharing in marital home

NAH for wanting own space, consider separate home for MIL

Man’s wife wants MIL to move in permanently despite potential issues

Sharing a room with grandma or accepting stepkids? Compromise required

Consider MIL’s desires before forcing her to move in.

Married couple argues over who owns the house.
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Compromise solution: rent a small studio nearby for MIL

Kids sharing a room > losing man cave. MIL judgment call

Man refuses to give up “man cave” for MIL – YTA vibe

Compromise needed for man cave vs MIL situation.

Finding a nearby assisted living could be a win-win

Compromising on MIL’s living space in the basement
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You deserve your own space! #NotTheAHole

User suggests building a separate MIL suite or tiny home

Is giving up a game room the same as making kids share a room?
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Man refuses to give up “man cave” for MIL, NTA, protect your house

Man defends his “man cave” from MIL, wife not supportive ♂️

Limited options for MIL, but should OP give up space?

A supportive comment suggests a compromise for MIL’s living arrangements.

Nurse warns of MIL’s eventual fall down basement stairs ⚠️
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Protect your home and lawyer up, but be careful.

Balancing family needs and MIL’s wants for man cave solution.

User calls out OP for prioritizing man cave over in-laws.

Couple struggles with accommodating MIL without disrupting family dynamics. NAH

Cultural differences in living with parents can impact relationships

NTA. Moving MIL near OP’s house could be a good solution.

A heartwarming story of a family prioritizing their loved ones ❤️

Is MIL’s move necessary? ESH for not sharing space.

A creative solution to MIL’s need for space

Why should women have to settle for a “nan cave”?

Building an addition? That’s gonna cost a pretty penny

Creative solutions suggested for man cave dilemma.

Engaging in-laws dispute with ESH verdict and alternative solution
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Man resists MIL’s request to turn basement into in-law suite.

Living in the basement: a recipe for marital disaster?

Having a man cave is important for some guys

NAH. MIL drama? Sit down and solve it together as a team

Turning the tables: What if the wife had a woman cave?

Maintaining boundaries with MIL, prioritizing family’s needs.

ESH for adding MIL without consensus, but kids need personal space.
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Basement not for living, NTA for keeping ‘man cave’ name.

User calls out OP for being selfish about man cave.

Compromise is key. MIL needs own space nearby

Communication is key ️. Kids’ comfort shouldn’t be compromised .

Setting boundaries with MIL to save marriage.
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Advice for MIL care, but underlying issue of lack of compromise.

Man refuses to give up “man cave” for MIL – ESH for not compromising

Sharing the ‘man cave’ with MIL and family, not ideal ♂️
