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But for some, it may be daunting to meet with certain members.
After all, we’ve all heard of the in-law horror stories and watched the movies: “Monster-in-Law,” (2005) “Meet The Parents,” (2000) and “Crazy Rich Asians" (2018).
"Meet the Parents" (2000)
Raffi Bilek, a Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical and the director of the Baltimore Therapy Center, shared his advice on how to avoid family tensions.
“These days, I think politics is the hot topic. For the past couple of years, it’s gotten more and more polarized and political issues cause big arguments,” he said.
According to a 2022 poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College, 19% of registered voters said that politics damaged relations with family members or friends.
“These days, I think politics is the hot topic. For the past couple of years, it’s gotten more and more polarized and political issues cause big arguments,” he said.
According to a 2022 poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College, 19% of registered voters said that politics damaged relations with family members or friends.
With the recent release of the dates and locations of the 2024 presidential debates, it's likely to come about in conversation at least once at the dinner table.
Another common heated topic of discussion among families is finances.
According to a study from Evolutionary Psychological Science, research shows that mothers have more conflicts with their daughter-in-laws over money in contrast to their own daughters.
“Talk to your partner and be on the same page. If you are supportive of each other and you recognize the problem and support each other’s feelings, it’ll be a lot easier," Bilek said. "But if you and your partner are arguing about how their parents are behaving and what should and shouldn’t happen, that will make it a lot harder.”
Aside from the stereotypical parent-in-law horror stories, in some cases individuals may find themselves in situations where relatives compare their children's successes to others.
Another common heated topic of discussion among families is finances.
According to a study from Evolutionary Psychological Science, research shows that mothers have more conflicts with their daughter-in-laws over money in contrast to their own daughters.
“Talk to your partner and be on the same page. If you are supportive of each other and you recognize the problem and support each other’s feelings, it’ll be a lot easier," Bilek said. "But if you and your partner are arguing about how their parents are behaving and what should and shouldn’t happen, that will make it a lot harder.”
Aside from the stereotypical parent-in-law horror stories, in some cases individuals may find themselves in situations where relatives compare their children's successes to others.
"The Joy Luck Club" (1993)
“That tends to not be helpful for anybody. Stay away from that conversation. I recommend that if you find that somebody is competing with you about whose child is more better, change the subject. Don’t go down that road. It’s not healthy for anybody,” Bilek said.
No matter the situation, he recommends walking into the room with proper expectations and knowing when to set boundaries.
“Knowing what’s coming down the road helps make it a lot better and keeping space. There’s no rule that you have to be with your partner’s siblings,” he said. “Working together with your partner to manage those situations can be helpful.”
Uncertain how to avoid uncomfortable conversations?
Bilek said that coming prepared with safe topics of discussion, such as reminiscing about the good times, and having a collaborative mindset is always a solution.
No matter the situation, he recommends walking into the room with proper expectations and knowing when to set boundaries.
“Knowing what’s coming down the road helps make it a lot better and keeping space. There’s no rule that you have to be with your partner’s siblings,” he said. “Working together with your partner to manage those situations can be helpful.”
Uncertain how to avoid uncomfortable conversations?
Bilek said that coming prepared with safe topics of discussion, such as reminiscing about the good times, and having a collaborative mindset is always a solution.
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