Download Article
Download Article
This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 513,691 times.
Are you unsure how to create a solid familial bond with your mother-in-law? It's never too late to start! Whether you want to have a positive relationship from the beginning or you're working through difficulties, the two of you can absolutely get along. Read on for a complete guide to establishing trust, respect, and care between you and your mother-in-law.
Things You Should Know
- Be in a positive headspace before seeing your in-law and put your best foot forward. Common courtesy and politeness can win her over.
- Show genuine interest in her. Ask questions, seek her advice, compliment her, and offer help whenever possible.
- Set boundaries with your spouse's help. Compromise with your in-law where possible and respect her priorities, but always hold true to your values.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/experience-studio/202205/how-to-manage-politeness
- ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/36_questions_for_increasing_closeness
- ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/asking-advice/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-give-a-powerful-compliment
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/improving-family-relationships-with-emotional-intelligence.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-difficult-family-relationships.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-difficult-family-relationships.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/dealing-with-difficult-family-relationships.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/lessons-loving/201611/3-rules-getting-along-your-in-laws
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/conflict-resolution-skills.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/positive-psychology#:~:text=Positive%20psychology%20helps%20to%20foster,more%20meaningful%20and%20fulfilling%20life.
- ↑ https://stories.uq.edu.au/contact-magazine/2023/top-tips-to-enhance-the-parent-grandparent-relationship/index.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/intimacy-a-path-toward-spirituality/202304/what-it-really-means-to-be-yourself
About This Article
Getting along with your mother-in-law is important for maintaining family relationships, even if she can be difficult at times. Try to be positive and smile whenever you see your mother-in-law, even if you don't want to be there. That way, you'll start off each interaction on a good note. Make an effort to ask her how she’s doing and find out about her life to help her warm up to you. If you have a disagreement with your mother-in-law, listen to her point of view, even if you don’t agree with it, so she feels heard. Then, you can discuss it with your spouse and ask them to talk to their mother about it. It’ll be easier to come to a compromise if you include your spouse, since they knew you both best. For more tips from our co-author, including how to get along with your mother-in-law when you live together, read on!
Did this article help you?
