Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting 2801: How to Navigate the Holidays With Your In-Laws by Liz Higgins of Gottman on Family Dynamics
Nov 16, 2025
Navigating holiday gatherings with in-laws can be tricky, but there are effective strategies to handle family dynamics. Open communication and boundary-setting with your partner are crucial for avoiding conflicts. Curiosity about different family traditions can help minimize misunderstandings. Ditch the people-pleasing mentality to foster authenticity and strengthen connections. Equip yourself with scripts to sidestep heated discussions and consider exit plans for uncomfortable situations, prioritizing your emotional well-being.
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Marriage As A New Family Culture
- Every marriage is a cross-cultural experience because partners bring different family cultures.
- Recognizing you and your partner create a new family culture reduces friction and fosters curiosity.
Prioritize Your Partner First
- Put your partner first by discussing anxieties using a softened startup before gatherings.
- Agree on non-negotiable boundaries and support each other publicly and privately.
Adjust Expectations And Stay Curious
- Check your expectations and bring curiosity to differences instead of taking things personally.
- Accept that traditions predate you and observing them can reveal new insights about your partner.