Living with Intention Building Meaningful Relationships in Life
Image Source: bing.comGetting married is a beautiful thing, but it comes with its challenges. One of the challenges that couples face is dealing with their in-laws. In most cases, in-laws treat their son or daughter-in-law like family, but that is not always the case. If you are dealing with in-laws who don’t treat you like family, it can be hurtful and frustrating. In this article, we will explore why in-laws may treat their son or daughter-in-law like an outsider and what you can do to improve the situation.
Reasons Why In-Laws Don’t Treat You Like Family
Image Source: bing.comThere are several reasons why in-laws may not treat their son or daughter-in-law like family:
Cultural Differences
Image Source: bing.comIn some cultures, it takes time for in-laws to accept their son or daughter-in-law into the family. They may feel that the couple got married too soon or that they don’t know their son or daughter-in-law well enough yet. It’s important to be patient and give them time to get to know you.
Jealousy
Image Source: bing.comIn some cases, in-laws may be jealous of the relationship between their son or daughter and their spouse. They may feel like they are losing their child to their spouse and may resent the son or daughter-in-law as a result.
Past Experiences
Image Source: bing.comIn-laws may have had negative experiences with their own in-laws and may be projecting those experiences onto their son or daughter-in-law. They may be defensive or guarded as a result.
Expectations
Image Source: bing.comIn-laws may have had certain expectations for their son or daughter’s spouse that you don’t meet. For example, they may have expected their son or daughter to marry someone from a certain background or with certain qualities.
What You Can Do When In-Laws Don’t Treat You Like Family
Image Source: bing.comDealing with in-laws who don’t treat you like family can be difficult, but there are steps you can take to improve the situation:
Communicate
Image Source: bing.comCommunication is key when it comes to improving relationships. Talk to your in-laws and express your feelings in a non-confrontational way. Let them know that you want to be a part of the family and that their actions are hurtful.
Set Boundaries
Image Source: bing.comIf your in-laws are disrespecting you or crossing boundaries, it’s important to set firm boundaries. Let them know what you will and won’t tolerate and stick to your boundaries.
Be Understanding
Image Source: bing.comTry to understand where your in-laws are coming from. Put yourself in their shoes and try to see things from their perspective.
Be Patient
Image Source: bing.comIt takes time for relationships to develop, so be patient. Don’t expect your in-laws to accept you right away. Keep trying to build a relationship with them and give them time to get to know you.
Involve Your Spouse
Image Source: bing.comYour spouse is the bridge between you and your in-laws. Involve your spouse in the process of improving your relationship with your in-laws. Let them know how you feel and work together to find a solution.
Conclusion
Dealing with in-laws who don’t treat you like family can be challenging, but it’s important to take steps to improve the situation. Communicate with your in-laws, set boundaries, be understanding, be patient, and involve your spouse. With time and effort, you can build a stronger relationship with your in-laws and feel like a part of the family.
