ABSTRACT
In-law relationships affect an individual in at least two significant ways: First, the individual is forced to form intimate, familial relationships with nonblood kin whom he or she did not directly choose to make part of the “family.” Rarely is this forced relationship a natural match of kindred spirits. Second, in-law relationships can have a direct or indirect influence on the spousal relationship by creating animosity and tension between spouses who have cultural and emotional allegiances with their own kin. Nonetheless, being an in-law provides constant opportunities for growth as well as problems. The challenge is to turn the latter into the former.
