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Chief
I don’t have the best (but definitely not the worst) relationship with my SOs family. I have raised this to him. My relationship with them is not what I ever imagined for potential in-laws. Just this past weekend we had a conversation about it and he said something that really stuck with me. He said that at the end of the day he can work on changing everything he needs to make me and us happy together, but he quite literally cannot change the people in his family. He said at the end of the day he’s with me because he wants to build a life with me and not others in my family, and he hopes I ultimately feel the same.
For us it’s helped that I’ve been open about the issues I’ve had and so we talk about it. It also helps that he’s willing to set some boundaries (like limiting the number of times his mom visits in a year). We split holidays (they get at least one a year) because at the end of the day I feel that it’s only fair that we also spend a little time with them, even though I’d much more prefer spending time with my side. I try to also imagine what it would be like if the roles were reversed and he didn’t like my family. I would hope he’d be a little understanding.
I would definitely not let this be a dealbreaker for you if you’re otherwise happy with everything else between the two of you. Have a conversation with him if you haven’t already and see how you can work things out. We can’t pick our families but that shouldn’t mean you still can’t be happy in the family the two of you build together.
Rising Star
Why are they around so much? I feel like it’s very common for some people to just see their family on major holidays. Also, does your SO seem to take their side? I’d be concerned if someone who had left leaning, open minded views made excuses and brushed off racism from their parents.
I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t be going there even for holidays. Don’t stop your SO, that’s his choice and his family. But you aren’t obligated to tag along, even when you’re married. I would also be clear that if we got married, my hypothetical kids wouldn’t be spending a ton of time around that side of the family. No need to cut them off completely if you think that’s too harsh, but you’re allowed to have a say in who you and your children spend time around. It doesn’t sound like you just “don’t like them”. It sounds like they’re an angry, racist bunch. You’re not asking your SO to sever ties with his family, just asking that you (and your children) not be dragged into their mess.
This is a tough situation. Even if your bf is devoted to making a relationship work with you it’s not fair to make him choose between his family and you if it comes down to it. Also, whatever you don’t like about the family surely affected his upbringing even if it’s subconsciously so later on when you have disagreements you may blame his family for his POV. It’s possible to make it work but wanted to raise this for consideration as well.
Pro
I don’t get along with my MIL and going to visit is rough, constantly causing tension in my relationship. I really wish I had inlaws I could connect and feel like family with. It’s a bigger deal than I anticipated.
Chief
I agree with A1 - the person you marry is way more important than they’re family. My in-laws bring a lot of baggage and drama but I’m super glad I married my husband.