It's okay to take your partner to family events.
Ellen is sitting at home with her spouse and just received a phone call from her family inviting her to a cookout tonight.
Ellen wants to go to the cookout.
Ellen informs her spouse about the cookout and suggests they go to it.
Ellen informs her spouse that she is going to the cookout and suggests the spouse find something to do on their own tonight.
Ellen's spouse enjoys the company of the in-laws at the cookout and has a good time.
Ellen's spouse is hurt that they aren't invited to the cookout and has a bad evening.