Your family drive me mad

Whether it’s an interfering mother-inlaw or your partner changes when they’re with their family, the “in-law problem” stands for a wider issue that all couples have to find a way to navigate – how to cope with all aspects of each other’s family.

You may need to bridge the way for each other to understand each other’s families and define boundaries between you and your respective families.

Be aware that it can be a very sensitive topic. You may complain about your own family, but take it personally when you hear your partner complaining about them.

Take time to be curious and have an open mind so that you don’t assume your family’s way is the “right way”.

Work together. Don’t leave your partner to resolve their issues with your family on their own or tell them to “get over it”.

And be clear about the kind of boundaries you want to establish when it comes to involvement with each of your families.