How to Survive a Vacation With Your In-Laws

Are you facing a vacation with your in-laws? Don't fret too much. There are several ways in which you can survive this event with your sanity intact. Read on and have a wonderful time--or at least a decent time--with your in-laws on your next vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Don't expect the worst. Do not start imagining how much your in-laws might annoy you during the trip. Instead, expect the best. If you decide the trip will be miserable before you even go, then it probably will be. Start thinking about the positive things you enjoy about your in-laws and focus on those traits. Your state of mind can influence the outcome of the trip.

2. Try to have a very open mind during the vacation. Although your family might do something in a particular way, it does not mean that everyone has to do it that way. Your in-laws probably have a totally different way of doing things, and that is OK. Be open to their ideas and suggestions, and try to be as flexible as possible.

3. Try to keep in mind that this trip is important to your spouse. For the sake of peace and harmony, just bite your tongue when necessary. Irritating comment can just be overlooked, and your spouse will appreciate your efforts. Just go with the flow!

4. Keep looking towards that light at the end of the tunnel. The vacation will be over before you know it. You can return to your normal life and possibly look back on the trip with fondness. At the very least, you can say you tried your best and endured it with grace.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to get away from the in-laws, take a walk.
• Take a relaxing bath to ease your irritations.
• Listen to a song that always puts you in a good mood.
• Remind yourself about the trip your spouse had to take with your family.
• Don't be overly sweet or you could come off as fake.
• Don't bite your tongue too hard--that hurts.
• Before you go, be sure to trim your fingernails to a short and dull length.
• Don't consume too much alcohol around the in-laws or you risk years worth of pent up frustrations coming out on your family vacation.

[momofour]

on 8/6/2008 Excellent tips! Love the warning for trimming your nails!