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In-laws can be a source of inspiration, or frustration in any relationship. Whether or not we're married, any of our parents may keep sticking their noses uninvited into our relationship in any number of ways: criticizing things we do, making "helpful" suggestions, or trying to impose obligations on us.
If they do, I'm often caught between a rock and a hard place. My SO's relationship with their parents has been longer than their one with me, so often I feel as if I'm in a no-win situation. If my SO takes my side, they make their parents angry, but if they take their parents' side, I get angry.
As much as I'd like to though, I can't change our parents' behavior, or my SO's reaction to it. All I can change is my reaction to it. Maybe I don't need my partner to take my side; I always have the choice of not accepting criticisms of me, or other's suggestions. No matter what our parents may do, I can always choose to do what's best for me in any given situation, even if that means taking a walk to clear my mind.
When I take good care of myself, my example will be the best thing I can give to my SO to help them take care of struggles they have with our parents.
Just for Today
If our parents are adding difficulties
to our relationship, I'll ask myself "in what ways
are my reactions and choices giving them that
power?"
Today I'll make the best choices I can
for me no matter what our parents do, and let my
example be the best help I can give to my SO.
Remember if people talk behind your back, it only means
you're two steps ahead! - Fannie Flagg
@Copyright Bernd Hansen - Contents may be downloaded or copied for personal non-commercial use.