Tag Archives: in-laws

Those Wonderful In-laws

Do you have great in-laws? Did they accept you right from the beginning and make you truly feel like part of the family? If so, you are very blessed, and many couples will likely be a little envious. In-laws can be a wonderful part of getting married. Gaining a larger extended family offers you a greater network of support, encouragement, and even resources if a need arises. Most families look out for each other and are glad to lend a helping hand. This extended family can also be great for your children. Who wouldn’t love to have as many grandparents … Continue reading →

Those Dreaded In Laws

There is a reason there are so many jokes about in laws. In fact, there are TV series devoted to cracking on in-laws. I have laughed out loud more than once, when watching shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Haven’t you? The reason most of the jokes and skits are so funny is that they often have some truth to them. We tend to find humor in things with which we can relate. For the most part, such in laws are basically harmless, if occasionally annoying. Unfortunately, there are cases where in-laws can damage and even destroy a marriage. This is … Continue reading →

The Men in Our Lives

Have you ever ended up in the middle of struggle for dominance between your husband and another man in your life, such as your dad or your brother? It is a difficult position to find yourself in and no wants to be forced to choose between the family that raised her and the family she’s made. It can be a very trying experience and it usually ends with someone having hurt feelings. That person may be you. If there is any way to lessen the tension or separate the men until things cool off, it is wise to do so. … Continue reading →

Understanding: Renegotiating Relationships

It’s critical for people who are getting married to understand that from the moment you seal your vows, your new husband or new wife is now the most important person in your life. They are also your closest relative in the legal and family sense. In our society, our family is based on the identity of our home of origin. This is an important distinction to understand especially as it relates to step families, adopted families and blood relatives. Because these definitions are all intermingled in the category that makes up our place of origin. For example, when you think … Continue reading →

Living With and Loving the In-Laws

There are a lot of jokes about in-laws and how awful it is. There are lots of movies and television shows that emphasize the terror that are the in-laws. Monster-in-Law is one film that leaps to mind. Few of these address the positive relationship that can occur between in-laws. Flexible, But Firm Let’s talk a moment about why a negative relationship can occur between in-laws. First and foremost, a new spouse is not ‘stealing’ away an in-law’s child and they should never interfere in the relationship between parent and child. They should think, and think very deeply, how they would … Continue reading →

Holidays and In-Laws

Let’s face it. Marriage means getting along with in-laws. Since this is just one article, we’ll only cover one aspect of getting along with in-laws in this installment. This one is about holidays. Your in-laws probably have certain traditions that they enjoy for specific holidays and events. Your own family probably does too, and you and your spouse are likely creating your own unique traditions for special occasions. Blending the three can sometimes be challenging. To make things easier, start by learning all about your in-laws traditions and discussing the things your family likes to do. You and your husband … Continue reading →

Dealing with In-Laws

Ah, the mother-in-law joke. Where would we be without it? Comedians and sit coms have become very popular for poking fun at your mother in-law, and though I’ll bet she’s not as bad as the jokes make out, there is some truth to the jokes, and that is why sometimes it’s so hard to get along with them. Traditionally, your husband has to impress your father in the beginning, but you have to impress his mom. Not only are you marrying each other, you are marrying into an entire family. This article will discuss in-laws regarding the mother in-law, and … Continue reading →

When it Comes to the In-Laws

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I have been very fortunate and have expressed my gratitude over the years that I truly enjoy my in-laws. I liked when they came for visits and whether they came for a long weekend or a long three-week visit to Virginia – it was always a good time to be had. We often made plans to do things for special occasions when they were there like going to see museums in D.C. They came up every year for Christmas and the house would be packed to the gills with people, decorations and more. It was great to get up in … Continue reading →

Dealing with Difficult In-Laws (1)

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Although mothers-in-law bear the brunt of the “difficult in-law” tag, family in-law problems come in many different guises and are not restricted to mothers, or even to females. Let’s take a look at some examples where a marriage is under siege due to problems with extended family members. Scenario 1: Helena and Dave are a busy, working couple in their early 30s with no children. Both hold responsible jobs and work long hours. Dave’s brother, Dean, is single, changes his job regularly to follow his main interest—surfing—and is an easy-going, genuinely fun guy. People enjoy his company, including Helena and … Continue reading →