Family

The secret to… coping when you dislike a parent-in-law

   The in-laws will be around indefinitely so it might be in your best
   interests to overwhelm them with kindness and chat

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   Stack of tea cups and saucers

   [ ] ‘Make your mother-in-law a cup of tea.’ Photograph: Kellie
   French/The Guardian

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   Counter passive-aggression with teasing and apparent affection. If your
   mother-in-law offers to iron your husband’s shirts so “the poor dear
   doesn’t have to”, tell her she’s a darling and make her a cup of tea.

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   shame. Never mind, you’ll enjoy the photos.” Never admit to hearing,
   “This could be my last birthday/Christmas/summer holiday” from a
   robustly healthy but domineering parent-in-law as this never ends well
   for you.

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   most and try to find something – anything! – that you can connect on.

   Take the long view. The in-laws will be around indefinitely so it might
   be in your best interests to overwhelm them with kindness and chat.
   Even the most irritating in-laws can make helpful grandparents, should
   that time arise.
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