Overview

Extended family remains one of the most influential forces shaping the dynamics of marriage. In many cultures, in-laws provide support, guidance, and continuity of traditions, but they can also introduce tension, boundary issues, and competing loyalties. This chapter examines the delicate balance couples must strike when engaging with extended family, particularly in situations where spouses live in the same household as their in-laws. Such arrangements often magnify generational differences, cultural expectations, and questions of authority, all of which test the couple’s ability to maintain unity while showing respect.

The chapter emphasizes that navigating extended family dynamics requires maturity, intentional communication, and carefully negotiated boundaries. Learners will consider the dual responsibility of honoring parents and elders while also safeguarding the independence of their own household. Practical strategies will be discussed for creating peaceful cohabitation, preventing conflicts, and establishing a marital identity that remains intact regardless of external pressures. Case studies will illustrate how both harmony and discord with in-laws have long-lasting effects on marital satisfaction and family stability.

By the end of the chapter, participants will recognize that extended family relationships need not be adversarial but must be managed with wisdom and balance. The ability to engage in-laws respectfully while protecting the sanctity of the marital bond is a defining skill for couples who wish to create a home environment marked by peace, unity, and mutual respect.

Objectives

By the end of this chapter, learners will be able to:

1. Define the role of extended family in shaping marital life and household dynamics.
2. Distinguish between supportive family involvement and intrusive interference.
3. Identify challenges specific to living with in-laws and explore practical strategies for peaceful coexistence.
4. Explain how boundaries can be established without dishonoring parents or elders.
5. Reflect on their own extended family context and assess its impact on their marriage.

These learning outcomes provide the framework for all discussions, reflections, and exercises in this chapter.