As my understanding of certain situations expands I’m starting to realize more and more that some things are more common than I could’ve ever imagined.

In-laws. Conflict with in-laws specifically whether it’s not getting along or not fostering a relationship at all.

How do you handle the scenario where the future in-laws have made zero attempts to foster a relationship despite the continued respect and acknowledgment on your part?

Many say confront the problem head on and in some cases I agree. However, how do you go about that when they deny the feelings of rejection that are projected by their actions?

In this case your partner is not a negative factor because they also feel the rejection and hate it just as much.

Does the partner confront their family or do you confront the family together as a united front?

Have you had enough when you’ve accepted that there may never be a relationship and the situation will eventually be out of sight out of mind? – But would be receptive if there were attempts made.

How do you confront the feelings of fear of bringing children into a situation as such? Or even possibly taking the next committed step in a long term relationship?

Does it affect your feelings towards your partner or is it just you both against the world?

Is it sometimes not necessarily about you but possibly the family’s view on your partner or relationship/lack thereof between them and your partner?

Have they made assumptions about your relationship based on misconceptions from an outside perspective or source?

These situations cause feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, anger, devastation, insecurity, self doubt and a cruel reality.

If you’ve had any bad in-law stories I’d love to hear them and how they turned out.