Top 10 ways to deal with difficult in-laws.

Getting married and having to deal with new people might be a bit of a challenge. There is always a bit of tension when people who grew up in different environments are brought together through marriage. These are our best ten tips on dealing with difficult in-laws.

1 Discuss with your spouse.

If you feel you are having challenges with your in laws try to engage your husband and air out your concerns to him. Choose an ideal and suitable time to tell him the issue.

2 Reduce contact

Sometimes a bit of distance can work wonders in restoring your relationship with the in laws. For example that weekly family dinner can be done on a !inthky basis and try to move into your own place to avoid constant confrontation.

3 Respect ter attachment to your husband.

Try to be empathetic towards their loss of a loved one whom they grew up with. Getting married mean your patner is now spending more time with you and is totally committed towards your happiness. Try to relax terms and also give the some time with their relative.

4 Stand up to bullying.

Do not allow in laws to repeatedly bully you. Stand up for yourself, hit the snake on the head by having a one on one with the ring leader.

5 Prioritise your needs with your patner.

When it comes to your own family plans, commit to them religiously above anything else.

6 Give it time

Time heals and allows you to forgive.

7 Do not try to change them.

Do not attempt to change your in laws. You will not succeed.

8 Find common ground

You might not be on good terms but surely you might have areas that you agree on. Have small talk on issues of sport, gardening or even the weather. That way you can create a bond.

9 Give them a bit of leeway when it comes to their grandkids.

In-laws often get a natural attachment to their grandkids. In as much as you have the final say when it comes to your kids, allow them to enjoy special moments with the little ones.

10 Be considerate

Consider your in laws’ background. They grew up in a different environment than you.