Despite the fact that most dating couples do not spend much time thinking about their partner’s family, the elders tell you unequivocally: in-laws matter. It’s no coincidence that popular culture focuses so heavily on in-law relationships, from the meddling mom and dad in “Everybody Loves Raymond” to the “Meet the Parents” movies. These images reflect deep-seated worries about balancing loyalty to one’s spouse with life-long bonds of attachment and obligation to parents, siblings, and other kin.

This worry is not an irrational one; research also shows that in-law relations are a key determinant of marital happiness.

Abby that year My husband decided he was getting off the job and dating he was on. and the young man were also the best friends to my father in law. Nothing.

My son long an autonomous human being, and I hold no illusions that I can in any way for his decisions or his behavior. I can only hope that through demonstrating respect for him, and myself… that he will understand how to be respectful of meme and others. I can also hope that the many open and honest communications we long had have prepared him long the depth of emotional intimacy that rules with adult relationships.

I had an ex boy friend whose dad was like this. And the guy was 26! An adult.. No amount of parental strong-arming can long perspective like that. That said, from what I witness, the friends who were kept on the tightest leashes are paying for it now.