Marketing and Sales Director of Dominion TV, Ronnie Daniel Amartefio, has advised all couples to prioritize befriending their in-laws before marriage.

According to him, in-laws are a permanent addition to a couple’s lives because they automatically become family as soon as marriage comes into the picture.

In-laws play a vital role in the lives of the couple and can have a significant impact on a marriage, both positively and negatively.

He explained that whether a couple likes it or not, they would have to involve and include in-laws in some aspect of their lives. Quarreling or having difficulty forming a bond with them only creates a wedge and hinders positive growth in the family.

Speaking to Asieduwaa Akumia on Prime Morning Thursday, Mr. Amartefio emphasized the fact that forming a good relationship with in-laws strengthens the relationship of couples to some extent; hence, all couples should strive to befriend them before marriage.

"Also, befriend your in-laws. This is because they are part of your family, and you are not competing. As much as you are a family, try to involve them. If you don’t, when situations come up, you would have to face them alone. Remember that they are part of your life till you try to leave the marriage,” he explained.

Having a good relationship with in-laws is a form of insurance for when couples run into difficult phases of their relationships. In-laws often provide a good glimpse into the minds of your own spouse, whom you think you know. It is advisable to sometimes involve them when things get tough, as they can serve as mediators.

There is no doubt that if your in-laws love you, they will go out of their way to protect and defend your children, even if your husband or wife is in the wrong. If they don't, they'll do the bare minimum, leaving you to bear the load on your own.

The CEO and Founder of Synergy Facilities also mentioned that although in-laws form a huge part of a couple’s life, they tend to sometimes go overboard, generating more problems.

That is why Mr. Amartefio has advised couples to master the act of creating boundaries. Visiting hours should be properly communicated to stop them from unnecessarily poking their noses into couples business and relationships.

"Ensure healthy boundaries. You need to discuss this with your spouse to ensure some boundaries, especially when in-laws can visit. Let each couple discuss their boundaries with their family. Couples should also make the necessary arrangements before inviting them in to avoid clashes."

He also advised couples to manage their expectations of their in-laws, especially before they venture into marriage. According to him, oftentimes parents have the tendency to show a different side of themselves after their children get married. During the dating and courtship period, many parents overlook and stay out of their children’s love lives.

This is why Mr. Amartefio has advised that when it comes to in-laws, couples should manage their expectations before marriage. They should do well to have extensive conversations informing both sides what to expect from parents so they are not taken aback by their actions during marriage.