I think this might be something nearly every wife experiences, and something that isn’t really understood before you say your marriage vows: in-law angst.
I genuinely like my in-laws. They are wonderful, generous people. Oh, sure, we have differing opinions on many big (and little!) issues but that hasn’t stopped our relationship from growing. My father-in-law is a hoot. The mother-in-law and I bond when we realize we are married to the same man, just a generation apart. And I love seeing how The Husband has developed his personality and characteristics from both his folks.
Still, there is something about getting ready to visit them that gets me tied up in knots. I wish it weren’t so. I try my hardest to relax–really I do! Nevertheless, I still find myself getting anxious as we’re preparing to go. It doesn’t help that it requires a ten (or more) hour long car trip with small children just to get there.
I’m sure it stems from the fact that, well, they aren’t my parents. With my own mom and dad, I have the knowledge and 30+ years practice of how to handle them. Not so much with The Husband’s folks. I often find myself, for the sake of peace with The Husband, letting a lot of things go. Not always so easy for me, I must confess.
Anyway. My purpose is not to bash my in-laws. Just trying to get some of this angst out before we depart.
Now that I have two sons, I often wonder what kind of mother-in-law I will be to any future daughter-in-laws. Maybe I shouldn’t go there just yet!
I’m lucky to have great in-laws, as well. I love it when they come to visit us! They are such laid back people.
We tend to agree on the big things, so that really helps. I’ve noticed, though, that the longer I know them, the more the “little” things irk me. Just kind of irritating.
But not enough to worry about it. After our visit together, I hardly ever remember what I got irritated about.
Oh..and 10-hr car rides with boys cannot be relaxing for anyone…
Good luck!