When we get married, we make a promise to each other to be there for each other through thick and thin. This includes making sure that our in-laws are happy and well-treated. However, sometimes this can be hard to do – especially if we sometimes disagree with them! This blog post will discuss some of the basics of relationships with in-laws and help us navigate any tricky waters we might find ourselves in. So read on, and learn how to make the right connection with in-laws thrive!
Building a Relationship with In-Laws
Building a relationship with our in-laws can be difficult, but trying to get along is essential. Here are some tips for creating a positive relationship with our in-laws:
Make An Effort To Get To Know Them
It’s necessary to start by getting to know our in-laws well. Talk about their hobbies, what they like to do for fun, and any other interesting information we can find about them. This will help us build a better relationship with them and make it easier for everyone when things get complicated.
Don’t Be Too Critical
One of the biggest mistakes people make when building relationships with their in-laws is being too critical. Try not to put them down or give them negative feedback all the time; instead, praise them when they do something good and offer constructive criticism when needed. This will show them that we care about their well-being and are willing to work hard to improve the relationship.
Be Respectful
Just like any other family member, our in-laws deserve respect. Please treat them with the same care we would want someone else to treat us, and things should go much smoother!
Bonding Ideas with In-Laws
When it comes to in-laws, there are bound to be a few bonding ideas that come to mind. Whether we want to cook together or go for a hike, there are plenty of ways to get close to our in-law family. Here are five more ideas to help everyone get along:
- Get creative together. If we’re both artsy types, take some time to paint or watch movies together. Or if we have kids in common, make a game out of tag or hide and seek. The possibilities are endless!
- Share stories. No matter how old the kids are, it’s always fun to hear about family history and life when our parents were dating. Our in-laws may also have some great anecdotes about their parents and ancestors, which can be enjoyable!
- Enjoy each other’s company. Even if our families don’t always see eye-to-eye, spending time together will help create stronger bonds between us all. Plus, who knows? One of our disagreements may lead to a fantastic laugh session later!
- Go on vacation together. This is probably the best way to show appreciation for one another – after all, who wouldn’t love going on a trip with their loved ones? Try planning a trip around a shared interest or simply spending time at the exact location over multiple days.
Dealing with Problematic In-Laws
Problematic in-laws can be a real nuisance. They may criticize us and our families or demand too much time and energy. If we’re struggling to deal with them daily, there are a few things we can do to get along better.
- Address the issue head-on: If we’re feeling attacked by our in-laws, it’s essential to address the issue directly. Tell them their behavior is unacceptable, and ask them to stop. If they refuse to change, consider separating from them emotionally and physically.
- Keep communication open: It’s essential to keep communication open with our in-laws. Let them know what’s going on in our life, and don’t keep anything hidden. This will help build a stronger relationship between our in-laws and us.
- Respect their boundaries: Just because our in-laws live close does not mean they should be able to come over any time they want and start interfering with our life decisions. Respect their boundaries, and give them the respect we expect from anyone else.
- Please don’t take everything that they say seriously: Many times when our in-laws criticize us, it’s simply because they don’t understand what we’re doing or how we’re feeling. Try not to take everything that they say seriously.
In-Law Relationships Need Not Be a Balancing Act
The in-law relationship can be a tricky one. Whether we’re newly married or have been married for years, we know that there will be moments when our spouse’s relatives show up unannounced and start asking questions we need to prepare to answer. And even if we have some prepped answers, odds are they’ll ask something else that completely throws us off balance. The good news is that the in-law relationship can be functional and enjoyable with some preparation and understanding.