Crazy Exes Part 2
To catch up on Part One click here: Crazy Exes Part 1
Crazy Exes Part Two – The In-Laws…
Just ask newly weds Meghan and Harry. They’ve already had to deal with a lot even though they just sealed the deal and it is definitely not going to stop any time soon – if ever at all!
Every family has their problems and nuances. Becoming an outsider to an insider doesn’t mean that everyone is willing and ready to welcome you into the family. Dealing with family members can leave you feeling frazzled and frustrated. How your partner interacts with their family members, how they speak about certain family members can provide a lot of valuable information.
You’ve heard about: The manipulative, controlling, paranoid, melodramatic, histrionic, co-dependent mother. The narcissistic, condescending, obnoxious, materialistic, know-it-all, racist father. Yes, what a mouthful and more adjectives could’ve been added but it was already getting pretty lengthy. This could honestly apply to any family member. It can be a mother, father, or another family member…. It’s no laughing matter. Times that by a lot of people in the family – well then you have a real nightmare on your hands.
And remember they’re not going away. They’ll be there for family functions, pop over your home for visits and vacations. Provide you with unsolicited advice late at night when you’re trying to enjoy a guilty snack and catch up on your favorite TV show. If your partner is exhibiting signs of these dysfunctional behaviors and has not taken measures to correct these traits, then you need to run as fast and as far as you can! Sounds like they should be placed towards “ex” territory.
If your partner has made it a point to not take on these traits and they have your back, here are some tips on dealing with the in-laws: Set firm boundaries, discuss how you will respond (individually or as a team) and a general protocol to conflict situations dealing with family members. You are separate from your family members and choose your own path on how to act and respond. Just because Aunt Bee curses people out on a regular basis and sings in the choir doesn’t mean that you have to follow her lead. Just sayin! And remember finding the humor – laughing and going through the challenges together instead of arguing about it in the first place goes a long way….