How to overcome in-law problems?

REPLY FROM OUR THERAPIST CLAUDETTE: It can be stressful caught between a desire to have family time together, and a sense of anxiety of family tension. Mental preparation is key for dealing with difficult family relationships: 1. Make time for reflection – taking some time out before you meet your family is helpful to reflect on your emotions, what triggers you, the typical nature and patterns of your interactions, the roles that people habitually fall into, and the situations that may be potentially difficult. It helps you to be less reactive in the moment. It also initiates the process of thinking about how to shift the usual dynamics and opens you up to the possibilities of new ways of relating. 2. Work towards acceptance when dealing with difficult family relationships – your family is who they are. If they have disappointed you in the past, are not able to meet your needs or do not share the same ideas as you, trying to change them will leave you frustrated, resentful and disap