Having finally said your vows, you are probably overjoyed and can hardly wait for the happy years the two of you will spend together. However, the story does not end there. With marriage come in-laws and it is in your best interest to nurture a healthy relationship with them. Here is what you need to know about the significance of this relationship in terms of your marriage and what you could do to make your in-laws love you.
The Importance of a Healthy Relationship With Your In-laws
Research shows that men having a good relationship with their in-laws is a great thing. Those who report being close with their wife’s parents are more likely to have a long-lasting marriage as their risk of divorce decreases by 20 percent. Men like to become friendly with their in-laws and thereby showing that they -accept and appreciate the family of their loved one without having to engage in some overly complicated family ties.
However, the situation is quite complex when it comes to women. Mothers have a different relationship with their sons than with their daughters, and a mother-in-law might feel like she is losing her son as he ties his life to another woman’s. The wife is in a peculiar position, thus, and at risk of not having a good relationship with her in-laws to start with. However, you are only starting to build your family and your life together, and the last thing you want is a family feud already, so you should do your best to try to build a long-lasting relationship with your in-laws.
However, women also have to be careful about stepping over boundaries. Interestingly, the previously mentioned research has also found that those women who have a close relationship with their in-laws are at a 20 percent higher risk of divorce. This sounds counterintuitive, so why is it so? The issue here is that a wife sometimes tries to develop a close relationship with her in-laws in an attempt to “get them on her side” in a particular matter. This can, in turn, wreak havoc on the couple’s relationship. At the same time, too close a relationship with one’s in-laws also makes it easier for them to “meddle in,” which, again, can be a great source of arguments. So it is more than clear that a healthy balance should be found that is built on mutual respect.
How to Get Your In-laws to Like You
As mentioned, respect is everything when it comes to this delicate relationship. You have to be ready to make compromises and give up family time – after all, your husband’s parents most likely miss their son and they will appreciate your sacrifice for them. However, if they see that you treat him well and that you two are happy, they will be more accepting of the new situation and you.
Therefore, you should always show your best side. You should show that you love and respect your husband and that family is your priority. You should take care of your appearance so that you are neat and put-together whenever you see your in-laws. If you don’t have time to do your hair and put on makeup every day, you can invest in practical solutions such as semi-permanent eyelashes by Lash Blossom Extensions and the like.
Make sure you show interest in getting to know your in-laws and show trust by asking for their advice and talking to them honestly. Communication is key here too, just like in your marriage. This way, they will feel involved and you will also learn about their views. In the end, even if your views don’t agree, always remain respectful to avoid disputes. As you get to know your in-laws, you will have the chance to remember details such as what food they like and always choose thoughtful gifts that will show them how much you care.
Relationships with in-laws have a reputation for a reason. As you can see, women especially are in a peculiar position, so if you are anxious about how your in-laws feel about you, try to keep yourself to the previously mentioned tips and hopefully, you will enjoy a long and healthy relationship with some of the most important people in your spouse’s life.
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