Advice for in-laws

The book Eight Ways In-laws Can Break Up a Marriage offers examples that should make every in-law stop and think. “(1) When your child decides to marry, show hostility toward the person they chose. After all, it means less love for you, so you have a right to resent them. (2) Expect them to spend weekends and holidays with you, and act hurt if they don’t. (3) If they have problems with their mate, encourage them to come home. And when they do, listen to their complaints and point out other shortcomings they may have missed. Remember, one drop of water after another can wear away a rock. (4) If they’re having financial problems, rescue them. Beg, borrow, or steal, but let them know that as long as you’re around, they’ll never go without. (5) If they have a drinking or drug problem, tell them their mate drove them to it. After all, everybody needs someone to blame. (6) If they have an opportunity for career advancement that takes them to another city, tell them ‘family’ is more important than money and God will punish them for not honouring the commandment ‘honour thy father and thy mother.’ (7) If there are grandchildren involved, spoil them. And if the parents object, tell them to stay out of it; after all, what are grandkids for? (8) If your child has an argument with their mate, fan the flames. Family loyalty is a beautiful thing; with a little work, you can turn a minor argument into a major hassle and break up a marriage.”