Nuance Needed 85: Why In-Law Relationships Are So Complicated with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Nov 25, 2025
48:20
Tired of the villain vs. victim narrative in mother-in-law conflicts? In this episode, we're diving into why in-law dynamics are so much more complex than "she's toxic" or "just set boundaries."
In conversation we discuss:
- How your own family patterns shape how you interpret other people's behavior (and why "intrusive" might just be "interested")
- The difference between being responsible TO someone vs. being responsible FOR them
- Why the person in the middle needs to stop being conflict-avoidant and actually turn towards their partner
- The generous interpretation: acknowledging someone's good intentions while still stating your needs
- Why one person gets scapegoated as "the problem" in mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dynamics when they're often just the first to name something
- How to build safety in relationships by being interested in the whole person, not just their role in your life
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a psychologist and author of the new book "You, Your Husband and His Mother," available anywhere books are sold. Find her at DrTracyD.com or on Instagram @DrTracyD.
If you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com
To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.
Want to join the conversation? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!
dVIQ1G8FjQPs1KNvp5fz
In conversation we discuss:
- How your own family patterns shape how you interpret other people's behavior (and why "intrusive" might just be "interested")
- The difference between being responsible TO someone vs. being responsible FOR them
- Why the person in the middle needs to stop being conflict-avoidant and actually turn towards their partner
- The generous interpretation: acknowledging someone's good intentions while still stating your needs
- Why one person gets scapegoated as "the problem" in mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dynamics when they're often just the first to name something
- How to build safety in relationships by being interested in the whole person, not just their role in your life
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a psychologist and author of the new book "You, Your Husband and His Mother," available anywhere books are sold. Find her at DrTracyD.com or on Instagram @DrTracyD.
If you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com
To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.
Want to join the conversation? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!
dVIQ1G8FjQPs1KNvp5fz