Dear Dr. Tracy When Your Partner’s Family Turns on You: Why In-Law Conflict Hurts More Than We Realize
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish unpacks one of the most painful and confusing dynamics she sees in couples: being warmly welcomed into a partner’s family—only to later become the outsider.
Through a powerful listener story, she explores why these sudden shifts occur, how family systems create scapegoats, and why meaningful accountability is often out of reach. Dr. Tracy also breaks down what real repair looks like, how to protect your emotional wellbeing, and how to stay united with your partner when extended-family patterns threaten your connection.
Whether listeners have felt rejected by in-laws, misunderstood, or pushed to the margins of a family they once felt part of, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a grounded path forward.
What You’ll Learn
Why some in-law relationships shift dramatically after major life transitions—especially becoming parents
How family systems unconsciously create scapegoats and maintain old roles
Why apologies and accountability can feel impossible in certain family structures
How to protect your emotional safety without escalating conflict
Practical ways to stay aligned with your partner when extended-family dynamics get in the way
What real repair looks like—and how couples can rebuild trust together
Download my TEN QUESTIONS to ask yourself to get out of your assumptions and stories.
RESOURCES:
Order my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy
NativePath: Special Bundle deal at getnativepath.com/Tracy
Rula: Get the support you need with rula.com/Tracy
KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com
Vionic Shoes: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices