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shakespeare47
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Default Nov 26, 2017 at 08:16 AM
  #1
I'm having a tough time with my in-laws and my wife lately.

From my point of view, they hate my politics, they let me know they think some of my interests are stupid, and they let me know this virtually every time we're together. (I should mention that my wife and I are similar in politics, but she does side with her family on some of the issues).

Because of their reactions, I spend even less time with them. They notice, and in response, they've just become even more rude. Now I get comments like, "you hate our family" and "haven't you left(this particular get-together) yet?"

I've talked to a counselor about this, and she suggests that it's my wife's job to change their mind about me. I don't think this is going to happen. Ever since I met her, she made it obvious that she believes her family is without flaw, and told me what they think of me, and what I need to change.... It's a ridiculous amount of group-think.

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Default Nov 26, 2017 at 08:28 AM
  #2
I did notice that my sister-in-law, who is generally the most outspoken, is also harassing her niece's husband.

It's like she has this overwhelming need to dominate.

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Smile Nov 26, 2017 at 08:57 PM
  #3
I'm sorry you're caught in this difficult situation. I guess I can't really relate to this situation directly since I no longer have any extended family... or friends either for that matter. It seems like I've always had interests that were different from anyone else I ever knew. I guess that's perhaps part of the reason I've gradually become more-&-more reclusive.

I've been a very secretive person pretty-much all of my life. (It's a long story.) Somehow, I don't know how, I learned very early in life that there were things about myself that I must never talk about with anyone. And so I didn't... and I still don't. And over time the tendency has spread throughout my day-to-day life. I just keep my thoughts to myself. My personal opinion is that this is often for the best.

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Default Nov 27, 2017 at 07:23 AM
  #4
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeezyks View Post
I'm sorry you're caught in this difficult situation. I guess I can't really relate to this situation directly since I no longer have any extended family... or friends either for that matter. It seems like I've always had interests that were different from anyone else I ever knew. I guess that's perhaps part of the reason I've gradually become more-&-more reclusive.

I've been a very secretive person pretty-much all of my life. (It's a long story.) Somehow, I don't know how, I learned very early in life that there were things about myself that I must never talk about with anyone. And so I didn't... and I still don't. And over time the tendency has spread throughout my day-to-day life. I just keep my thoughts to myself. My personal opinion is that this is often for the best.
If that works for you, then more power to you. You seem like a really interesting person, I bet there are decent people out there who would enjoy getting to know the real you.

For my part... I'm starting to realize that there are people who I don't respect, and don't like. And I should probably be relieved that those people don't like me, either.

I do think there is something to the idea that everyone has good qualities that can be appreciated. I can see some good qualities even in the people I am in conflict with. My hope for the future is that they would be able to recognize my good qualities as well. I don't mind not talking, I just wish the times we were together were not so stressful. I'm doing what I can to take care of myself.

I have to admit I sometimes forget how good my wife is to me, and how much I appreciate her. She does have a strong commitment and loyalty to her family, and I think that commitment and loyalty causes some blind spots. I suppose that's to be expected.

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Last edited by shakespeare47; Nov 27, 2017 at 07:39 AM..
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Default Nov 28, 2017 at 05:36 PM
  #5
They've said some pretty harsh things to you, that would upset anyone. Can you just calmly state that there is no need to be rude? The only other advice I would give is, remember you are married to your wife, not her family. As long as you and your wife are happy, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

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