Ah yes, the sweet life of marriage.. Just when you’re starting to get cozy with your wife, you sense an upcoming danger. It’s the attack of the in-laws! How does one ever get along with the other parents?

Mobile Phone. Sure you’re proud of your corporate success. A professional like you is always on call, of course. But for that weekend with the in-laws, turn that phone to silent mode, if you can’t turn it off. If your in-laws discover that you’re a workaholic, they might think that you’re not exactly the family man.

Don’t be uptight. You are already stressed out as it is so don’t aggravate the situation. Be more tolerant and patient, and control your temper when they’re noisy at dinners, or if they tell dumb jokes. You’re going to have more family reunions in the future so learn to love it.

Sanctuary. When things become a little too awkward or when you don’t like where the conversation is going, you can always excuse yourself to “check on the kids”. This is a perfect excuse to get out an awkward situation and project a good parent impression at the same time.

No matter what happens, do not drink heavily. Beer might sound good when the in-laws are coming over. But real terror might start if your in-laws start bitching you about drinking, and your wife starts nagging you about it too. The best thing to do? Live through the whole thing sober.