3 steps to get through a conversation when you’re the family’s liberal black sheep
Are you one of the few liberals in your conservative family? If you’re a black sheep like me you probably get stressed out when they ask you, “What are you doing, ya know, with your life?” Here are some ways to save your mental health and hopefully your family ties.
How do I survive current politics at family gatherings?
I’m headed to my partner’s family’s house for Thanksgiving. My partner and I do not agree with his family on political issues and I have a feeling that there will be discussions about the Midterms and other issues. I’m not sure how to handle them, if I don’t just hide away in the bathroom and ride it out. Any advice for surviving the holidays with a family on the other side of the big political divide?
What’s the protocol for family photos with future in-laws?
I’ve been dating my partner for about two and a half years and we’re definitely on the road to marriage. He’s very close with his family and they are currently planning some family photos with my partner’s immediate family and his brother’s family (wife and kids). Since we’re not married, it feels weird to be part of their family’s photos, especially when I haven’t met them that many times (they live in another state).
Is it cool to have them take the photos without me? Is that even something you could safely suggest or should I just shut up and get in the picture?
Learning to be loved by my mother-in-law
My husband and I have been married for a couple of years now and we recently decided to “take the plunge” into the waters of living with his mom, my mother-in-law. When I instantly found myself uncomfortable and lost in this new living space, I was surprised and confused by my feelings. I was embarrassingly confused and mad at myself for acting unintentionally cold to her — unable to find the words to explain to my husband as to why I was feeling this way, because I didn’t even understand myself.
Dealing with difficult in-laws the grown-up way
What are you supposed to do when you can’t stand your in-laws? I needed to learn techniques to help me deal with mine in a kind and considerate manner, without exploding with internalized stress. For me, the following things have helped…
How do I get my mother-in-law to stop addressing things to my non-existent married name?
My husband and I have been married for six years now and most of the family is fully aware of the fact that I kept my last name — actually, I’m sure my in-laws are well aware of this. But my mother-in-law keeps addressing mail and checks to me as if I had changed my name.
Mother’s Day gifts that say “I love you like a mother”
Mother’s Day is coming up. Now, I really love my future mother-in-law. She and I get along well and I have a few gift ideas in mind. But… do I get her something? And if so, what? Is there etiquette to this cuz there is no Hallmark Card for it.
How to tell family you’re childfree
Where are my fellow child-free Homies? Your insight is needed! Offbeat Families reader, Haymaker, has a mom-in-law who is desperate for she and her husband to give her MORE grandkids. But they have NO plans on having children. Like, EVER. Head over to Offbeat Families to help a sister out!