How to Be Polite to In-Laws

Getting married comes with many blessings including a second set of parents. When dealing with your in-laws, being polite is the best bet. They may not like everything about you. But if you are polite, it should not be long before you can develop a friendship. Here are some steps to show your in-laws respect.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Greet your in-laws with an affectionate hello, a hug or a kiss. If you do not know them very well, then sticking with a hello is fine.

2. Show kindness. If you see your in-laws in need, offer to help them. This could be as simple as offering a glass of water or cooking an entire meal.

3. Make the first move. Don't always wait for your spouse to call their parents. You be the one to offer to drive them somewhere, pick up something for them or invite them over.

4. Be mindful of your body language and non-verbal actions. Frowning or rolling your eyes will send the message that you do not respect their opinions.

5. Listen to what your in-laws have to say. You may have heard the same story about your husband's first girlfriend many times before, but you are being polite just by listening.

6. Speak appropriately. Use respectful words such as yes ma'am and no sir, and avoid foul language or slang terms.

7. Treat your spouse with respect. The best way to win your in-laws affection is to be polite to their son or daughter. Pleasing your spouse will please his parents.

Tips & Warnings

• The basic ideas is to put the in-laws' needs before your own. This is the essence of being polite.
• Being polite does not mean that you should allow your in-laws to interfere with your marriage. Speak to your spouse about their parents' behavior in order to set up proper boundaries.

[Nyko]

on 3/26/2009 lol I like the other guide better 'how to be a good in-law'

[blondekitty]

on 12/16/2008 Being polite to your in laws - this grat advise I agree with LuLu12. You really have nothing to lose and who knows they might end up liking you. Makes things better if you show respect to them and certaily respect and love to your spouse. Why wouldn't a parent want that for their child - besides you do love your spouse. Politeness is a good example for your children and others around to pick up on.

[LuLu12]

on 6/30/2008 What is this, a freakin circus? How to be polite to the in-laws?

God help us

[LuLu12]

on 4/2/2008 This is absolutely wonderful advice. Being polite to people is becoming a lost art. I wonder why? It's almost as though there is no give and take on anyone's part anymore. Some people just have to be right. Always looking for the "whatever it is called"...passive agressive comment?

When an inlaw says: "please come see us. We miss you" It is not manipulation; it's a statement of love.

Why in the world would someone need to be helped on the subject of being polite? This in itself is not good, in my opinion.

This story is a great start, though, in making people think about the lost art of politeness. I guess it went away with letter writing.