In-Laws - Beware

I know of someone who once said if she ever gets married, her In-Laws would either have to be dead or living in a different country. I only understood the logic behind this statement after signing my divorce papers.

The kind of relationship you have with your In-Laws before you get married will determine the kind of relationship you will have with them after you get married. 

After four and a half years of marriage, I walked away with a list of five things to look out for just in case I decide to tie the knot again.

1) How they treat other In-Laws – If your future In-Laws speak negatively about their Son/Daughter In-Law behind their back, they will do the same to you after you get married.  

  

2) Compatibility – If you don’t get along with your In-Laws before the wedding, chances are you won’t get along with them after the wedding.

3) How to address Parents In-Laws – What you decide to call your future Father and Mother In-Law is totally up to you. Call them what makes you feel comfortable; whether it’s Mr. and Mrs. So and So, addressing them by their first names or calling them Mom or Dad. If they don’t treat you like a Son or Daughter, calling them Mom or Dad is completely out of the question.

4)  How to handle conflict – If you have an issue with your In-Laws, speak to them directly. Don’t depend on your spouse to solve the issue(s) for you.

5) Be Yourself – Stop trying to impress your In-Laws. If your spouse accepted you for who you are, they need to do the same.

If you're dealing with difficult In-Laws, it's never too late to make a list of what you expect from them. Encourage them to do the same. A little bit of respect and communication could be the key ingredients to a successful relationship.

For those who are married or divorced, what have you learned from being an In-Law?

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Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)