Summertime, and the Living...

Summertime, and the living is queasy. Yep, that's right - more time with the in-laws! Of course, the only difference between in-laws and outlaws is that outlaws are wanted! (Kind of like what John the Baptist and Winnie the Pooh have in common: the same middle name.) Anyway, it's smart to know that being 'family' is still not being "My son, my son" or Daddy's-little-girl to your in-laws.

In other words, real family is 'blood' and no matter how often you've been told that you are the son or daughter that your in-laws always wanted or never had, you are 'water.'

In order to play it safe, then, let blood deal with blood, before any of yours gets spilled. Then again, if you must mix the two (blood and water), expect tears!

Yet, Quaker Guy implores thee, do not think that the situation is hopeless. In truth, you and your spouse have influence; whereas your families should have only input in your married life. Keeping that in mind, and practice, will allow you to put the easy part back in summertime and the living with your In-loves, er, In-laws.