I have always heard a lot of interesting stories about in-laws throughout my life, but I never thought that I would have issues with in-laws. When my husband and I first started dating, I met his family and they were just the sweetest! As we kept dating, nothing made me think otherwise. There were a few times that I didn’t feel totally included, but I didn’t think much of it, and I figured that it would all change and I’d be treated more like family once we were married. The first several times that we visited my in-laws after we were married, I started feeling awkward and like I didn’t fit in with them. Nothing had changed from when we were dating like I thought it would. I didn’t, and still don’t, have the same interests as them, and it is just somewhat uncomfortable to be around sometimes. This week’s marriage readings have really helped me to see what I can do to improve my relationship with my in-laws, and also, how to be a good in-law from my end as well.
James M. Harper and Suzanne Frost Olsen teach us about some of the ways that we can develop better relationships with in-laws. Some of their suggestions are…
- Calling your in-laws “mom” and “dad”
- Communicating Regularly
- Accepting each other’s differences and appreciating them
- Setting Boundaries
These are great ways to improve your relationship with your in-laws if you don’t already have a good one. I am for sure going to start applying these, and see how they will help me feel. These are also things that I can apply to my future when I am a mother in-law. It is important to have a good relationship with your in-laws and do as much as you can to establish that relationship. They are family, and family relationships are especially important since you are sealed forever!
