I'm glad the visit went well, pp. I'm sure it meant a lot to him. Your DH is a lucky man.

OP here. Thank you, thank you! *takes a bow*

I would like to emphasize that my family and DH's family drive me NUTS, but I am trying to put up with them for the sake of my children.

My mother was the type to get easily offended, and had a "I'm an adult and don't need to put up with your shit anymore" attitude. So I grew up with little to no relationship with my cousins and extended family. But they all had holidays, vacations, and relationships with each other in the meantime. And I'm left out. So I am trying to make sure that my kids grow up around family and have a lot of pleasant memories, at the least.

What I am trying to say, I guess, is that if you are so over your family or DH's family, try to think about it carefully and think about whether is may be good for your children if you can at least find a way to be civil and spend time with family.

It's not a good in-law story, it's a good story of two adults working on a relationship by acknowledging the other persons positive attributes and being flexible. Hopefully the "all about me" crowd, who does not see their in-laws as human beings (flaws and all) can learn something from this.

Mazel tov! (It was very big of you to say you're difficult.)

Yea!!

Anonymous wrote:Yay! A good in-law story. Something this site definitely needs.
Great news, OP!

+1 OP, I think something you said reveals a lot about you and why things went well. Instead of being hypercritical and judgmental of everything your FIL does, you admitted that you might not be the easiest person to get along with either. What a great quality to have! Glad things went so well! Kudos to you for your efforts and kindness!

My dad didn't like to sightsee either, but he was willing to cook a meal, grocery shop and tackle some home repair! My mom said he did more at my house than theirs. Can you give him a list of things you need done?

Good news! Success stories! This is what DCUM is all about!

Yay! A good in-law story. Something this site definitely needs.
Great news, OP!

Some rare good news. My incredibly stubborn, bull-headed FIL came to visit us for the first time from overseas for three weeks and left without incident. No arguments, no real problems. I was very, very anxious about this visit because neither he nor I are the easiest people to get along with but it went ok. It doesn't hurt that he is actually helpful around the home, likes to tidy up and play with the kids. He is kind of more... manly than DH? DH is kind of lazy and has a penchant for drama, which I think he gets from his mother, who was a very lovely lady nevertheless. FIL is the type that does not like to leave the house or sightsee. I had to beg him to leave the house and go visit DC, but he eventually gave in and really enjoyed himself. I am looking forward to his next visit!