Living with my boyfriend’s family for 4 years — anyone else in the same situation?

Problem/Goal: I just wanted to ask if anyone here has been or is currently in a similar setup as me.

Context: I’ve been with my boyfriend for 6 years, and I’ve been living with him and his family for almost 4 years now. Okay naman kami—his family likes me, and we both go through major family events together.

Right now, I stay here because it’s practical. I don’t pay rent, but I contribute to utilities and other expenses. It’s honestly comfortable, and I get along with everyone. But at the same time, I sometimes think about having my own space and what the next step is for me/us.

My boyfriend is a seaman and is still in the process of starting his career, so I understand that things are not fully stable yet.

I guess I’m just wondering:

* Has anyone been in this kind of long-term live-in-with-family setup?

* Did you stay, move out, or wait it out?

* How did you handle wanting independence vs staying for practicality?

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences or advice.

Previous attempts: None