Do You Feel Comfortable Around Your In-Laws??

Indonesia
May 15, 2009 9:41pm CST
A few months ago I had a family reunion with the in-laws. We have not seen each other for several years and it's nice to meet them again and know how they are doing. I tried to enjoy the reunion as much as possible, but deep inside my heart I always hear myself saying that I don't belong there. Maybe that's because my in-laws and I have different lifestyles. They are strict with their religion, wearing long and loose-fit coat that covers entire body except face, feet, and hands; and talk mostly about politics and religions. While I'm more open minded and easy going person. I wear what I feel comfortable with and I'm open to discuss (almost) about anything. I love my in-laws, but I still don't know how to get along well and feel comfortable around them. Have you ever been in the situation when you don't feel comfortable around your in-laws?? How do you deal with it??
2 people like this
5 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
16 May 09
I get along with my in laws just fine. I actually live with my fiance and we both live with his parents. So I think that that is a great way to get to know them. I am very trusting with them and also very respectful. They are very respectful in turn and are very kind. I'm sorry you aren't as close to your in laws but with difference in opinion about religion, I think I can understand that it's a bit tense around them. I assume you have the same religion as them, am I correct? You are just more laid back about the way you dress wherein they dress as they believe is proper?
• Indonesia
16 May 09
Yes, we have the same religion. But I prefer to discuss more general everyday-life topics when it comes to a family gathering. And I like to wear jeans and shirt, because I feel comfortable with them :)
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
16 May 09
I think serious topics should be taked about at a mininmum really, especially at gatherings where you haven't seen the in laws in a long time. Have you tried bringing up lighter topics around them? I'm glad you feel comfortable around your in laws, I'll be honest the discussion did seem as if you weren't comfortable with them.
@larish (2234)
• Philippines
23 May 09
I am not also comfortable with my in-law. Maybe because we are still in the getting to know stage. I am really hesitant to express my feelings and thoughts to her because she doesn't accept any opinion. She always want to be the one who is right. This is also the reason why we don't have real conversation because I always nod my head for every story she tells me and at times if I have to speak I often hear myself answer her with "you're right", "really?", "wow!", "amazing". lol
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
21 May 09
Hello natalia. My in-laws and I get along with each other. In fact, they see me as their own son and I regard them as my own parents. We have a very good relationship. They help me a lot with my family. When my wife and I were not at home for a long time, they always took good care of my son. I am very happy to have them as my in-laws.
@lazeebee (5461)
• Malaysia
16 May 09
Fortunately it's only once a year that I meet them. It's a yearly affair, during the new year that they gather together. My husband's home town is about 400 km away, so we would drive back and stay there for a week - a real tortuous week for me. My husband's family members are nice, but they are all older than me (my husband being the youngest of 10 kids), and the week can be one long week of visiting relatives, eating - breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper - and talking!
16 May 09
there too weird for me :L