In-Laws

[Wish on a Star]

So I know I should be counting my blessings but I have never met my future In-Laws! They live in Georgia, we (my DF and I) live in Pennsylvania. He is not very close with his family, their relationship is pretty much phone calls on birthdays and major holidays. I dont even think his parents sent him a birthday or Christmas card this year.

His family is coming to the wedding, and the first time I met them is the day before I am marrying their son. I would really like to avoid any awkwardness, but how do I even get to know them when they really barely talk to their own son? I have never spoken to his father, but I have talked to his mother twice on the phone. Has this anyone else had the same experience? Any suggestions on how I can "get to know them" over the next 4 months? I doubt we will have the money to take a trip to Georgia

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Sounds much like me and my family. Follow your soon to be spouse's lead. If the relationship works for him, it will work for you. Don't put your expectations of family on his parents. Clearly, they have a different expectation, and it's working for them, eh?

I'd be very uncomfortable if my wife were to try and cause my relationship with my family to be closer or more involved. Stilted as it is, it works for me without discomfort or awkwardness.

Greet them in the manner in which he does (shake hands, hug, watch him and pattern your interactions after his).

Don't expect anything from them, and you'll not have any additional stress.

My wife deals with the situation by simply accepting that it is what it is.

Good luck to you.