Relatives of nursing home residents frequently inhabit a complex, multi-dimensional institutional context, navigating a delicate balance between personal connections and institutional demands. Existing research often adopts a role-based perspective, insufficient to capture the full scope of their experiences and the inherent ambiguities of "Being Relative." Based on 30 participatory observations, this qualitative study explores the "being relative" process from a person-centred perspective. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis, revealing three core meta-themes that describe this navigation process. First, the Navigating Fundamental Dimensions of Being Relative meta-theme involves managing a Liminal Positioning in the Institutional World, experiencing Ambiguity in Institutional Situations, and dealing with Navigating Power Asymmetries in Institutional Life. Second, the Navigating Relational Dimensions of Being Relative meta-theme highlights the search for meaningful connections, including Seeking Resonance Amid Institutional Alienation, Co-Creating Relationships Through Recognition, and experiencing Moments of Genuine Encounter. Finally, the Navigating Spatial-Temporal Dimensions of Being Relative meta-theme focuses on how relatives navigate the physical and temporal constraints of the institution, including Navigating Institutional Space and Navigating Temporal Rhythms. Our findings present "Being Relative" not as a static role, but as a continuous, active, dynamic process of meaning-making and adaptation across these three fundamental dimensions. These insights are vital for developing truly person-centred care models that recognise and support the complex realities of relatives, moving beyond a one-dimensional view to a holistic understanding of their unique personhood.