Known for her candid opinions on Loose Women, she has now become Britain’s most straightforward advice columnist, offering guidance on issues related to sex, relationships, and life challenges.
Dear Coleen
I tied the knot with my partner, whom I adore, 14 months ago. While the wedding day was beautiful, the lead-up to it was extremely stressful and has significantly damaged my relationship with my spouse’s family.
His family generously covered most of the wedding expenses, but this decision backfired as their financial contribution led them to dominate the planning process and impose their preferences on us.
In particular, my husband’s mother and his three sisters were unkind, leading to heated arguments due to the overwhelming pressure.
They criticized every choice I made and made disparaging remarks about me behind my back.
Ultimately, I arranged a small and intimate hen party with my best friend, excluding my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law. This personalized event was more aligned with my preferences compared to the lavish Ibiza weekend proposed by my in-laws.
As a result, his sisters have distanced themselves from me, and my mother-in-law often excludes us from family gatherings, displaying pettiness.
While my husband has stood up to his family and refuses to be manipulated, he maintains contact with them as we reside nearby. I am uncertain about how to navigate this situation – should I forgive their past behavior?
I have not received an apology, and I would appreciate your perspective.
Coleen’s Advice
Unfortunately, family members often take over weddings when they contribute financially, leading to unnecessary conflicts and shifting the focus away from the essence of the day.
On a positive note, you are married to your beloved, and it is evident that your husband handles family dynamics sensibly. Ultimately, your relationship with him is what truly matters, and the impact of his family on your daily life will likely be minimal.
Nonetheless, harboring negative feelings is not beneficial. It may be helpful to address your concerns directly with his mother or the least contentious sister to facilitate moving forward positively.
Alternatively, consider expressing your thoughts in a letter, outlining your desire for constructive resolution. This approach could prompt reflection and,