Hello, question asker. I give you a hug. I can feel that you are a little uneasy and at a loss, but I know you can do this. You have ideas and ways to do things perfectly, and you will find the right way to do them. You feel very conflicted, both inside and out, but you will find a way to resolve that.
In ancient China, filial piety was the most important virtue. Children should respect and care for their parents. In reality, some customs say that daughters who have married do not have to support their parents. However, in big cities and according to the law, they do have to support them.
The economic pressure is great these days, so many parents have to help their children with childcare and look after their grandchildren. They don't complain, because they want their children to take care of them when they're old. They raised us when we were young, and now we're raising them when they're old. Not to mention that they help us raise our own children.
Let's go through your demands together.
1. I've heard that my husband's sister-in-law often calls and adds her parents-in-law on WeChat. She often buys them things. I feel guilty and powerless, but I'm going to stop feeling that way.
2. It is perfectly normal for you to keep your distance from your in-laws and treat them politely. After all, they did not raise you, and you are not related by blood. It is only because of your husband that you have this relationship as family. Since you chose to love your husband, it is only natural that his parents also need your love.
3. Your sister-in-law's approach is good, but you don't know how to do it. Sometimes your husband also says that they don't need it. Parents love their children and will save money if they can, so they won't tell you what they want. You are the one who is secretly happy after buying things and flaunting them in front of other elderly people.
I have some suggestions for you.
You must love and give love. You are entering a home and living together, so you are family. You should care for others with love.
Be a good person. Do what you want to do, be confident. Your husband and other people will love you more. No matter what you do, with your heart and actions, everyone will see it, and they will love you more. You will not lose out.
My husband is clear: you should do what your children should do. Your parents are your parents, and his parents are the same. They need you even more. The relationship between the two follows the general interpersonal relationship: reciprocity, which has been the rule since ancient times.
Read more, learn more. Everyone is an independent individual with different ways of interacting, perceptions, and values. Recognize your own self.
When you find your true self, you will no longer feel self-blame, depression, anxiety, or fear. There is no need to compare yourself to others because we all have our own strengths and advantages.
I am confident that these thoughts and suggestions will help you become a better version of yourself, a good wife, daughter-in-law, mother, and in the future, a good grandmother. Consultant Liu Qi, the world and I love you!


Comments
I understand your feelings; it's tough to bridge that gap sometimes. I think the distance you feel might just be a part of building a new family dynamic. It takes time and effort from both sides. Maybe you could try sharing more personal stories or moments with them, showing them a bit more of who you are. That could help close the emotional distance.
It's hard when you see others connecting easily with your inlaws while you struggle with feeling closer to them. The guilt you're experiencing is valid but remember, every relationship is unique. Perhaps instead of focusing on material gifts, find small ways to show appreciation, like writing a heartfelt note or spending quality time together doing something they enjoy.
Sometimes these feelings of distance can stem from our own expectations. It sounds like your inlaws have been very supportive. Maybe you could talk openly with your husband about your feelings. He might not realize how much this affects you. Communication can often lead to understanding and finding common ground on how to strengthen your bond with his parents.
The pressure to match the closeness others seem to have with your inlaws can be overwhelming. But don't let that guilt overshadow the positive aspects of their support for you. Maybe there's an opportunity here to redefine what a good relationship looks like for you. Try setting realistic goals for yourself in terms of how you want to relate to them, and give yourself grace as you work towards those.
It's okay to feel this way, and it's important not to be too hard on yourself. Building intimacy takes time, especially with inlaws. You could initiate some traditions or activities that everyone can participate in, which might help create shared experiences and memories. Over time, these moments can foster a deeper connection between you and your inlaws.