How to Get Along With Your In-Laws

If you're newly married, you might have heard horror stories about how evil in-laws can be, and how much havoc they can wreak in your life. The good news is that those situations are rare and usually exaggerated. By keeping a few things in mind, you can get along with your in-laws, regardless of how difficult they are.

Instructions

1. Remember that your in-laws raised your spouse to be the adult that you found so amazing that you decided to spend the rest of your life with him. They can't be that bad.

2. Treat your in-laws with respect. You don't have to agree with their point of view to build strong family relationships, but you do need to treat them with dignity and respect.

3. Keep control of your temper and never say anything to your in-laws that you wouldn't want someone to say to you. Treat them with the same dignity you yourself expect, and your family relationship will grow.

4. Remember that your in-laws are the parents of your spouse, and that they love your spouse very much. Don't ask your spouse to get in the middle of a disagreement between you and your in-laws. You'll only damage family relationships, including your own marriage.

5. Schedule visits so they're frequent but short to avoid getting on each other's nerves. If your in-laws live far away, make plans to stay in a hotel so you both have time away to reduce stress and friction.

Tips & Warnings

• Never badmouth your in-laws. No matter what you say or who you say it to, there's a weird karma that demands it become known to your in-laws and your spouse.