There is a connection between environment and stress on both ends, with excessive clutter and excessive attention to detail both holding the power to distract us from our ability to love fully, work productively and relax effectively. So, what makes sense to me is for each of us to think this through on a few fronts: what constitutes a comfortable environment for us, how much effort we're willing to put into it relative to other priorities, and how well-matched we need our partners' preferences to be to ours.

For some people, the better route for finding like-minded parents is just to get out of your house with your baby and frequent baby-friendly places.

When people get more frustrated by their indecision than by the situation that prompted it, clarity often follows.

The most reliable ways to make oneself miserable are attempting to change people and not attempting to change circumstances.

Plan your own vacations when you want to, and plan a suitable combined vacation with this other family when you want to. If they freak out at your planning your own vacations as you see fit, then let them. Bowing to unreasonable demands because someone will make you pay emotionally if you don't is not a healthy option.

Some people can work amid chaos or conversations, and some can't - and while there's no doubt an element of brain wiring to it, there's also the possibility of acquiring skills that improve your focus.

Once given, a gift is yours to use, store or dispose of as you see fit.