It basically comes down to knowing the difference between seeking support and help from somebody outside the relationship versus venting your feelings because you are complaining. And venting is almost always unhealthy for your marriage and damaging to your sense of loyalty to each other. If you find yourself wanting to vent, that's a pretty clear sign that you should only be talking to your spouse about it. And if you do, your loyalty toward one another will stay intact and even grow. When she and Winston returned from their honeymoon, the young bride discovered that Lady Randolph Churchill had completely redecorated the couple's new home in a style far fancier than Clementine had planned.
Smother ing in-laws affect a significant number of marriages.
One of the most common reasons some in-laws smother a marriage is because they feel they have a right to. For some couples this string is financial support or another form of indebtedness such as child care. So if you are feeling smothered, it may be because you and your husband haven't cut yourselves off. Another important consideration is setting boundaries with your domineering in-laws. When they intrude, speak up.