In-Laws. They make movies about them. They write jokes about them. They make marriages more complicated. And, I have them. Second time around. Much better, but still a challenge.
First time, I started off on the wrong foot by wanting to know why my wife had no relationship with one of her sisters. Evidently, wrong question. I then completely ate my foot when they offered to get us a camcorder for a wedding present and I had the temerity to want a voice in the choice. Being in the “business,” I knew what features I wanted. Oops.
Well, between those two tragic faux pas, I never recovered. Neither did the marriage. Now, the second time around, I’m trying extra hard plus I have in-laws that are open and supportive of our marriage. But, the cultural differences are big, as our religious differences are as well. Thank God I can eat with chopsticks, but sometimes I reach for something too soon, but I’m learning.
Marriage involves a package deal—much more the later in life you indulge. My wife has had to learn about raising boys, never having been a mom, and she’s working hard at it and largely doing well. They have to learn where the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, and cleaning supplies are. I have to learn her parent’s ways, treat them with respect, and respect their culture. A two-way street, a complicated intersection for sure, but it’s worth the effort. But, what do I know; I’m just a guy.
