How to Live With Your Mother-In-Law

Put a positive spin on what some people view as an intolerable situation. If you are having trouble living with your mother-in-law, learn a few simple strategies. Make your circumstances more comfortable for you and everyone involved and you could at least keep the peace. You might even turn out to be friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Sit down with your mother-in-law and ask her expectations of you. Tell her what yours are of her so that neither of you will expect too much or too little. Be specific.
2. Discuss boundaries. Both you and your mother-in-law should know what is acceptable or not. For example, if using your toothpaste crosses the line let her know up front.
3. Keep personal violations to a minimum by giving her the infractions list. For example, talking negative to the children about either parent is a strict violation.
4. Go over the house rules. Cover things like grocery shopping or doing chores.
5. Keep financial deals between you and the bank. Borrowing money can cause families to fight. Use discretion and only lend or borrow if it is absolutely necessary.
6. Pick your battles. Don't be so quick to judge or argue and think before you speak. Even when you are annoyed with something your mother-in-law did evaluate the damage and determine the wisdom of making an issue out of it.
7. Get rid of resentments. There is no benefit in harboring anger. If something has happened that you just can't live with talk to your mother-in-law directly to resolve it immediately.