Navigating Relationships with Your In-Laws as a Newlywed
Many fiancés feel anxious about forming relationships with their significant others’ families. If this is you, you’re not alone! You want to make good impressions on the in-laws, which in turn can add a great deal of pressure to a new marriage. Luckily, we have four tips to help you navigate your in-law relationships!
Start by practicing positive communication. Ask your in-laws questions about their family, their childhoods, and their interests, and then listen. Those stories can give you great insights into who they are as a person, and you might even discover common ground or interests to help you bond! Also, communicate in order to involve them in your lives. Invite your sister-in-law to a movie with you and your friends, ask your mother-in-law for her world-famous dessert recipe, or get advice from your father-in-law about a new opportunity. All of these methods will show your in-laws you are interested in them and want to strengthen your relationships with them.
Adjust your expectations. Perhaps your family is openly affectionate and believes in lots of hugs, but your future spouse’s family is more reserved and shows affection through other ways. If this is the case, it might be time to adopt the phrase, “When in Rome…” for your interactions with the in-laws. You might be put outside of your comfort zone, but putting in the effort will help you feel more comfortable in their family environment in the future!
Treat your in-laws like a second family. You’re doubling your family by marrying their son or daughter, so you might as well treat them like family! Offer love and support when family members are going through struggles. Check up on them to see how they are doing. Create your own inside jokes. Whatever you do to keep the relationships in your own family strong, try practicing those same things with your in-laws!
If all else fails, find ways to serve. Sometimes it is just hard to form new relationships with in-laws, plain and simple. If this is the case for you, may we suggest you simply find ways to serve your in-laws. Acts of service don’t have to be big, they just have to come from the heart. Perhaps the family member won’t notice, but doing service for them will help you feel love for them anyways! Listen when they are sharing feelings or thoughts, and try to find hints in your conversations that can guide you to service opportunities. You love your special someone, and they love your in-laws. Your future spouse will appreciate the efforts you put into forming strong relationships with their family members!
I hope these tips will help you navigate the new relationships coming your way with your in-laws!
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