Travelling With THE Mother-in-law

You really need a holiday and you know it’s inevitable that your mother-in-law will also be travelling with you on this long awaited dream holiday. If you both get along like a house on fire, the following blog will probably not mean much, but if you both together set the house on fire, then what is written below might be of some help. So here we go, travelling with the mother-in-law.

Choose the right destination

 

Plan a holiday where there is a chance that both of you can do your own thing in the same space. You could choose between a cruise, a hotel near the beach or just an all-inclusive resort, where she, and you, will be pampered like queens – and hence stay out of each other’s hair! If you do have to rent a holiday home, make sure there are enough things that she likes to do and that will keep her busy. Carry enough books, movies, TV shows, her favourite foods, drinks and snacks; otherwise you might as well stay at home! Make sure the weather is suitable for her or you may just land up hearing about her arthritis woes the whole time!

 

Have a plan

 

After she has agreed on the destination, find out about her wish list. Try and include as much of it as you can in the plan. It’s always better to have it all well-thought out, so she knows what is coming her way - also a way to make sure most of the arguments finish at home!! If finalizing the plan before you leave is not possible, keep her in the loop and tell her in advance about the next morning’s plan. Of course you could always have a plan B!  Always set a time for the next event. This will definitely make the whole day more peaceful.

 

Think positive

 

Don’t let negativity spoil your holiday. If you don’t like something which has been said or done, ignore it and tell yourself you can deal with it when you get back to familiar surroundings. The minute you let it get the better of you, the trip is doomed and even the fun parts will feel like a pain.

 

Include her as far as possible

She loves to eat? Let her choose the restaurant for lunch or dinner. Remember the golden rule, she happy = you happy. Plan the day in a way that there is always some part of it that she is included in, depending on which part of the day she prefers. Make sure you include her in photographs so you don’t have to hear about that later! Give her some ideas for relaxation – like spending some time in the spa, or just resting and reading a book, or watching her favourite TV show. In the meanwhile you go and do something she may not be as interested in.

Maybe you could even give her some alone time with her beloved son, while you spend time with your children. She will love you for it!

 

And lastly, you just have to believe!

 

If you feel all the above is absolutely impossible, try and believe that all she is saying is not just to irritate you, but out of love. Don't forget, we sometimes get annoyed with our own parents as well! You may not like the continuous criticisms but just for your own peace of mind, take a deep breath, and be nice to her. You never know, maybe she starts seeing a side of you, she never knew existed!

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So, go with an open mind, let wanderlust strike and have a fantastic holiday. All the best!