Man feels conflicted about caring for his elderly mother-in-law living alone

A man expresses feelings of unease regarding his mother-in-law, who lives alone and is 90 years old (sotsuju). The article features insights from Kiyota Takayuki, who discusses the nature of obligation in such situations. Kiyota suggests that the sense of duty or obligation should be directed towards specific individuals or responsibilities. The core of the man's discomfort seems to stem from the perceived expectations or his own internal conflict about his role and responsibilities towards his elderly, independent mother-in-law. The discussion touches upon the emotional complexities that arise when family members navigate the care and well-being of aging relatives, particularly when they live separately. Kiyota's perspective aims to provide a framework for understanding and potentially resolving these feelings of "moyamoya" (unease or vagueness). The article implies that societal expectations and personal feelings can sometimes clash, leading to internal conflict. It highlights the importance of clarifying one's own sense of duty and its appropriate targets.