How To Handle Toxic In-laws After Marriage

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One of a couple's fantasy is to live a life unhindered by external pressure because it enhances their partnerships. However, there are some external factors that you can't control; having toxic in-laws. As expected, they are constantly at the brink of breaking your relationships and causing unwanted disputes.

While these may suffice to alter your relationship, your reaction to it is what matters the most. Here are some ways you can handle toxic in-laws.

 

  • Be at a Safe Distance

Keeping yourself at a safe distance makes you unpredictable to your toxic in-laws. Try not to create a friendship with them especially when they are known to be cunning.

Having a relationship with them from a distance is enough. It is not advisable to hate your in-laws. Rather, work out ways to creating a formal relationship with them. Always make sure to keep yourself away from harm's way. Conversations that may be created to rouse you into anger should either be stopped abruptly or completely ignored.

 

  • Create clear Boundaries

Are there specific attributes you do not like? Then it's important to create a clear boundary. This may prove difficult. However, constantly insisting on keeping the boundaries will create a clear message.

 

  • Work more privately with your spouse

Sometimes, your in-laws may try to use your spouse to get you upset or roused up.  At this point, understanding each other is very important.

Keep your marriage private and work more together. Create the time to build your relationships, working out your flaws and creating ways of creating a better version of yourselves.

 

  • Stick to your decisions

When a toxic in-law is trying to change your minds, you must stick to your decisions. At most times, they may be constantly intrusive in your decision making. This is why you and your spouse should stand firm on your decisions.

 

  • Ignore or address issues together

There are going to be quite a lot of issues that will arise with your inlaws. Ensure that these issues are being tackled by you and your spouse and not you alone. It is best to understand that your spouse is your priority and keeping them safe is important to you. 

In worst-case scenarios, it may involve you and your partner leaving town for a while. This will allow you to clear your heads and get you prepared for future disagreement between inlaws.

 

Written by Ojatula Opeyemi