The Court

“Did you realize that when you married your Prince or Princess Charming, you inherited the king, the queen, and the whole court?” (Marriage Missions International)

According to a newly released study, men who are on good terms with their wives' parents are more likely to enjoy a long-lasting marriage. Yet, researchers found that a wife's relationship with her husband's parents is a bit more complicated and less indicative of overall marital happiness.

 

As a son-in-law or daughter-in-law, what's required of me? What are my obligations in relating to my spouse's parents? if you're a Christian, you owe your in-laws behavior that's consistently Christian in character (as you do anyone else). They're connected to your spouse through genetics, history, and complex psychological dynamics.

 
“You must honor and respect your father and your mother. Do this so that you will have a full life in the land that the Lord your God gives you.” (Exodus 20:12, ERV)  This verse requires demonstrating to your parents and your in-laws patience, kindness, gentleness, and respect. You need to recognize and respect each other’s limits.  This does not include the following:

·         Submerging all your own preferences so  that it can be done their way

·         Permission for them to disrespect your family for their own selfish desires

Here are some important tips for a better relation with your in-laws:

 

1.     Your loyalty is first to your partner (not your in-laws).

2.     .Remind yourself that you are doing this to accommodate your partner’s parents.

3.     Keep political arguments out of in-law relations.

 

4.     Chances are that your partner is going to be better at communicating with his than you are.

 

5.     Be supportive to your partner in regard to his parents.

6.     Reach out to be gracious to your in-laws

 

 “It's great if the in-laws themselves put up boundaries, but if they won't; it's up to their grown kids to do it and enforce them.”  (Phil McGraw)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “3 Rules for Getting Along With Your In-Laws” by Karl Pillemer

·        “5 Essential Tips for Getting Along with Your In-Laws” by Robert Talbbi

·        “How Your Relationship with Your In-Laws Impacts Your Marriage” by Jim Daly

·        “In-Law Relationships” by Phillip J. Swihart