In-Laws and Out-Laws

Ok ladies, here’s something to think about before you get married.  You obviously love your soon-to-be husband, and (hopefully) you’re committing to him the rest of your life.  But are you ready to commit to his family?

Just like you love your own family, he loves his too.  The difference is, loving your own family has been a lifelong process.  You’ve had lots of time to adjust to their faults.  You can dismiss it when your penny-pinching dad tries negotiating prices at WalMart. And, bless her heart, your mother is just trying to be nice when she puts underwear and socks in everyone’s stocking every Christmas. (Because everyone really does need new underwear and socks.)

But, dealing with a whole new set of personalities can be trying.  Each family has their own faults and idiosyncrasies.  Is it your soon-to-be mother-in-law what you perceive as a meddler? Does it drive you crazy when his aunt starts talking about her colon during dinner? Each time you come across a situation or personality that drives you nuts, always remember, this is your family now, and you’re going to have to deal with it. If you don’t, you could be putting a huge burden on your marriage before it ever begins.

The meddling mother-in-law could just be honestly trying to help.  Maybe the reason she bought you that cookbook isn’t because she thinks you can’t cook.  Maybe she knows what your fiancé likes, and she thought he would love you even more if you knew how to cook his favorite dish.

And the aunt with the colon?  Well, if you can, try to sit at another table.  You could also need a beverage refill the moment she opens her mouth.  If she’s still going on and on, refill everyone else’s glasses while you’re at it.  If she’s STILL going on and on, you’re just going to have to accept it.

Just always remember, every time your fiancé sits down to dinner with your family, he’s probably feeling the same way.