My wife dislikes going to my hometown and visiting my parents, even for just a three-night stay.
It’s difficult for me to understand.

It’s definitely troublesome. If we don’t visit together, my parents will notice something is wrong.
I just want us to pretend to be a happy family.

If she doesn’t come with me to my hometown, I can’t go either, as I believe in fairness—even though I like staying at her parents’ place.
If I don’t go, her parents will feel something is off, and that frustration will gradually build up. I just want to avoid any drama. Anyway, it is what it is.

On the other hand, I get to have some time to myself again this summer.
That’s one good thing, and I’m going to enjoy it.

Whenever I try to explain “nomikai” in English, I get a bit confused because a direct translation doesn’t seem appropriate due to cultural differences. Highlighting the drinking aspect of the gathering feels a little awkward.

Anyway, I had dinner with my former colleagues last week and the week before last. I enjoyed it, and I hope everyone I talked with felt the same.

On the other hand, I also have some regrets, as I feel I must have done something embarrassing due to my drunkenness.
Embarrassment seems inevitable in life, and I feel that this anxiety intensifies after social gatherings involving alcohol.

I wonder if I will eventually start declining invitations to these dinners one day.
Usually, I forget these feelings as time passes and accept future invitations anyway.

I also believe that socializing itself is helpful for my work.
I report to a global organization and need to develop relationships with colleagues in other departments in any way I can.

So, it’s a bit complex.