Golden Rules for Dealing with In-Laws
Behave impeccably at all times. Whatever the provocation, keep you mask of good manners intact.
If you are subjected to criticism of our housekeeping, child-rearing etc., smile graciously.
If the criticism persists react in one of two ways:
Go for humour and self-deprecation. Shrug, smile charmingly, say 'you're probably right… I was always hopeless at this kind of thing' and move on. With any luck your charm and good grace will show them up for the carping, sour-faced critics they really are.
Alternatively, you can go for the out-and-out admiration defence. Instead of reacting with insouciance, just turn your face into a mask of awe-struck admiration, sit (figuratively) at their knees and ask them to teach you everything they know. Alternate intent listening with nauseatingly effusive compliments, and they'll soon get fed up with the mentoring role.
Whenever possible, ask for advice from your in-laws (for example on financial or house-related matters, or parenting). They will feel flattered to be asked - everyone likes giving advice….
Never criticise your husband/wife to your in-laws. Even if they're sympathetic and think their son/daughter is a bit of a wastrel, you can be sure that, at some level, visceral loyalty will eventually kick in. Your confidences will come back to haunt you, and will certainly be held against you.
Similarly, be very careful about criticising your in-laws to your husband/wife. This isn't necessarily a no-go area - some couples find criticising their parents' behaviour both therapeutic and helpful - but you need to be sure that criticism isn't going to elicit a defensive reaction, or come back to haunt you.
Take the lead from your partner when it comes to relating with your in-laws. You may enjoy chatting to your mother every day, while your husband rings his once ever six weeks. Don't berate him for the lack of contact; accept that every family dynamic is different.
Whatever else you do, ensure that both you and your partner present a united front.
