In this part of the world, parents’ in-laws are held in high esteem. They are more like one’s parents. And as such the love given to one’s parents must be replicated to them also the affection one shows to one’s parents must be shown to them too. The respect one gives to one’s parents must also be given to them too. It is not for competition; it is just one’s obligation.

I usually tell couples that ones you are married as a woman, you are not only married to the man, but also married to the man’s siblings and his parents. The man is not only married to the woman, but also to the woman’s siblings and his parents. Therefore, as you the man like your parents, so, does the woman. Showing love to your parents’ in-laws has a way of making your relationship better.

This is because when, for example, the man sees that you the woman shows unconditional love to his parents, he will be happy with you; his family will as well be happy with you. He will definitely go to any length to make you happy because you are making him happy by showing love to his parents and, thereby, making them happy. As the man, when you show love to your parents’ in-law, your wife will be very happy.

This is because nobody wants his parents to be disrespected. Showing love to your parents’ in-laws as a man will make your wife very happy. And this will positively affect the love between both of you.

Do not join the group who says parents’ in-laws are bad. Don’t heed to the ill-advice of friends who will tell you that you need to be battle-ready for parents’ in-laws and that you need to be tough when dealing with them if not you will be seen as “mumu” that means you will be taken as someone who is overly subservient to another person. I have found out that people who behave rudely to their parents’ in-laws, or who “show their parents’ in-laws pepper” never enjoy their marriage. They are always at dagger drawn with their spouses or in-laws.

Truth be told, there may be some parents’ in-laws who may be difficult, but it does not mean that you are to disrespect them. Don’t try to show your parents’ in-laws that you are “a-no-nonsense man or woman.” It is not the best way to treat parents’ in-laws. You can tell your husband about it or see a marriage counsellor who will properly counsel you on what to do or how to handle that particular alleged difficult parents’ in-laws. Remember that you will also be a parent in-law one day and ask yourself: “if my son or daughter in-law behaves rudely or contemptuously towards me the way I am doing to my parents’ in-laws will I be happy?” Love you!