One of the best things that could happen to a married individual is good in-laws and one of the worst, long-lasting, bitter wars are with in-laws but how can you as a sister or brother-in-law whose brother newly wed his heartthrob cultivate a prosperous, happy relationship with your sister-in-law? I have 5 guiding tips for you:
1. Respect Your Sister-in-law: your brother’s wife is a human being like you and has likes and dislikes which must be respected.
As the madam of her husband’s house, respects the laws of her new house. Even if you have been living in that house before her, now that she has become the wife of your brother, the mantle shifts to her biblically and legally.
Respect her boundaries.
If you are Yorùbá, never call your sister-in-law by her first name (unless she told you so), even if you are age mates. There are beautiful pet names you can call her until she had her firstborn
2. Don’t visit them now: Couples at the very start of their marital journey need time to bond. They are two separate entities wanting to be one, therefore, visiting them in the first 6 months of the marriage is unreasonable.
Call, chat, video call, or FaceTime them, if you want to hear their voice but don’t go and camp in the house of new couples
Go that recommend one year the honeymoon is wise. It is for couples to bond.
3. Don’t Ever Visit Impromptu: of course, your brother is not going to turn back but to show that you are a responsible sister/brother-in-law, whenever you want to visit, notify them of your intention.d
Inform them, it’s for your own benefit.
What if they are not around? Or you don’t want to be entertained properly?
And two, don’t overstay your welcome.
4. Don’t ask Intimate Questions: their sex life is not your concern. Why pregnancy has not materialized should never be asked.
Do not asked questions about their private affairs except they jointly sought your opinion or advice on it.
5. Don’t lie again and don’t gossip about your sister-in-law to your brother
6. Offer Support: Be a source of support for your sister-in-law during both joyful and challenging times. Show genuine interest in their lives, celebrate their achievements, and lend a listening ear when needed.
By implementing these tips, you can contribute to the growth and well-being of your extended family, creating a supportive and loving environment for everyone involved.