Whether it is a trip to the in-laws for the holidays or you are considering moving with them, you need to make sure that you have healthy relationships between yourselves so that you all can live happily. Living in the same house can be fun, but on the other hand, it can be a little chaotic too. So you need to make sure that you have a healthy relationship so that you can manage all the chaos effortlessly.
According to Jonah Engler, there are certain things that you can do to maintain a good relationship with your in-laws.
1. Jonah Engler Suggests To Set Healthy Boundaries
According to Jonah Engler, setting healthy boundaries is an important thing to do when you are living with your in-laws. You need to ensure that they are set so that you do not argue about the same thing repeatedly. It can include things that everyone can maintain so that they do not end up disrupting the decorum of the house again and again. You can directly set boundaries or have your partner talk to their parents and bring you all on the same page.
2. Jonah Engler Suggests Giving Time To Your Husband And Kids Separately Too
When you are living with your in-laws, it does not mean that you have to deviate from your own family. Take time and talk about your family space. You can go out for dinners and catch up on each other’s lives. Go out on holidays and set new traditions too. Do it in a way that it does not seem too altering at once, do it steadily and slowly.
3. Jonah Engler Suggests To Be Kind
Make sure that you portray kindness. Do not raise your voice or use foul language with the in-laws. They are your partner’s parents, and you need to respect them. If there are some disagreements, sort them out in a proper manner instead of resorting to bitterness.
Extend kindness through everything that you do. This behavior of yours will help your children to learn about kindness and good relationships.
4. Jonah Engler Suggests That Realize That They Are Your Partner’s Parents
You need to realize that these are your partner’s parents. Your partner loves them, and you need to allow them some space. Try to see them as a family instead of feeling that they are your opponent. If there is a conflict, rather than expressing your point of view, try to think about the problem from their perspective rather than expressing your point of view. With their angles, you may understand what they think, and it may help in understanding the differences too.
5. Jonah Engler Suggests To Pick Your Battles
According to Jonah Engler, there might be many things that you will not like in your in-law’s house. You can not start a fight with them all. Learn to focus on things that should be a priority rather than creating a fuss about every small thing.
If you notice that the in-laws are entering your room without knocking and also you are irritated by the noises of smoothies being made at dawn, you need to prioritize your battles.
While the smoothies are something that they are habitual of, you can focus on the knocking part and talk to them about it.
Takeaway
According to Jonah Engler, while it can be hard sometimes, you need to maintain your calm, keep your ego aside and try your best to keep your relationships sorted with your in-laws as they are your family now.