In-law relationships by nature are complicated. Even in the most amazing in-law relationships, confusion about family roles, alliances, and decision-making can be present. It can be most confusing, in fact, when you love your in-laws, when they are supportive, yet there is still a feeling of unspoken tension about who is aligned with whom and who has power in the family.
If your partner is close with their family, or is not emotionally close but is in some way locked in a dynamic with them, they may be unconsciously conflicted about the natural and necessary process of moving their loyalty away from their family and toward you.
Read on to find out more about this process, and some practical guidance for working with it.
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Oftentimes as we grow up and become adults, the parent-child roles change as we become more independent and make our own decisions. With difficult issues like the pandemic (and trying to plan a wedding during it!) and the upcoming election at our forefront, disagreements with parents and other family can seem inevitable—but through communication and setting boundaries, tough conversations can feel a little less scary. Here are some tips for navigating family disagreements and heated convos.
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Have you heard the tale of the mystical MOMzilla? She is a fiesty creature who only reveals herself during her child’s wedding planning and then reverts to her former mortal human body once the wedding is over, the flowers have been arranged perfectly, and the guests have gone home, happy and full and a little tipsy.
How do we understand what transforms some moms into some version of Moira Rose Schitt? For the record, all family members (not only mothers) are susceptible to crumbling under the emotional strain of a family wedding, leading to uncharacteristic or exaggerated behavior and relational conflicts. Learn more about how to reason with family members like this (and understand the psychology behind this phenomenon) through the link in our bio, and share this post with a friend who needs help with their "Moira" mom!