I might actually like some of my in-laws if they weren't forced family

[Anonymous]

Some of my in-laws put on a great public face and are relatively pleasant to anyone they aren't related to. They are actually active in their place of worship. They are charitable. They are kind to friends and friends' children and grandchildren.

Once you are family by blood or marriage they have outrageous expectations and once you are behind closed doors they feel free to yell, blame, guilt trip, "borrow"/take money, bad mouth and so much more. If I met them in the workplace I would probably chit chat with them and we would have a light friendship, but now that I have seen the dark side so many times I don't even respect them. My husband had a horrid childhood and they still cycle from pleasant to downright nasty and abusive. It makes me sad that people think "family" means you can treat people like dirt. Vent over.

[Anonymous]

You don't have to like them just tolerate them...once or twice a year.

[Anonymous]

I would like my in-laws if I could only hang out with them when I wanted to and otherwise treat them like I would normal acquaintances instead of kowtowing to their bullshit for the sake of "family."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would like my in-laws if I could only hang out with them when I wanted to and otherwise treat them like I would normal acquaintances instead of kowtowing to their bullshit for the sake of "family."

OP here. Yes!!! You took the thoughts right out of my head.