You know the type. They don't read books- in fact, they see it as a waste of time. They think the purpose of art is to match your couch, and even then is only worth purchasing if it is on sale at Target. They are conservative (kind of goes with the territory.) They basically see any intellectual or artistic endeavor as a complete waste of time. Time better spent working and making money. I just can't bear to be around them as there is nothing interesting to talk about. Any advice?
2006-09-13 17:41:00 · 8 answers · asked by cleanair 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
They probably think you're weird anyway. Your comments suggest you are definitely judgmental if not anal. Your words also suggest a rather narrow and some what self centered view of the wold. I suggest becoming more open mined and tolerant of others and try not to be so judgmental it is really a borish.
2006-09-13 17:50:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do read books and I'm a general designer, but I see where your in-laws are coming from. I like to buy cheap art at Target if I am on tight budgets. No offense, but they probably appreciate what they have more than you do. Try to be more understanding, and they will understand you if you let them. Don't talk too much to them and it's the way to keep peace within your extended family.
2006-09-14 02:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by azngurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you living with them? How much time do you have to spend with them? My inlaws are like that to an extent, they read non fiction books only or romance novels (mil) and think that pursuits in the sciences/engineering are the only things worthwhile (unless you're an artist making money at it already). I usually bring up a topic that I know gets their goat up and they start talking about that. For instance, local politics. (We've got a corrupt city council). Or something dumb that someone's done or that the city is wasting money on. That eats up hours. Otherwise, we talk about the grandkids (my kids) and gossip about family members. Or we play cards.
2006-09-14 00:55:29 · answer #3 · answered by shrinkydinkheart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, part of your problem is your high and mighty attitude. Yes they may have problems but so do you. For example, who are you to assume everyone conservative does not like the arts and intellectual understanding? Well I beg your pardon sir, I love the arts, from classical music to Vangough, to thriving to better understand our universe and the history of our wonderful world, etc. and yes I am conservative and proud of it. It looks to me like you are spending to much time judging them rather than getting to know them better. You do not have to be around them 24 hours a day. These are the parents of your wife, the woman you are suppose to love. You have the job as her husband at being a better person and looking past their weaknesses for her, not being the one that is right all the time.
2006-09-14 01:07:44 · answer #4 · answered by Shellback 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk about the weather, their health, what they've been doing lately, how their jobs are if anything intersting happened at work, curent events in the world, maybe what movies they've watched. Tell jokes or funny anecdotes to lighten the mood.
If none of that works suggest some movies that they should watch, or take them out to dinner, and get them talking about if they liked the food or not.
take a slightly diferent stance on a topic and get a light debate going.
Try and be positive as possible and if they get on your nerves silently count to ten. chant to yourself " at least I don't live with them.."
as the person above said, its for your wife... I wish you luck. You can do it!
2006-09-14 00:52:41 · answer #5 · answered by ladyjeansntee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well maybe you can just be civil with them because they are your in laws after all. Maybe you can talk to someone other than your inlaws about your interest. Like friends and your relatives and maybe people you meet in yahoo answer. When your around them, you guys can talk about their interest and i know as boring as it may sound, maybe you can get to know them better and appreciate them too.
2006-09-14 00:48:01 · answer #6 · answered by wittlewabbit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk about how wonderful their daughter is, and how happy you are that they did such a great job raising her because she is the light of your life.
Your in-law problem will take care of itself in 25-30 years. Be patient.
2006-09-14 01:14:46 · answer #7 · answered by tjnstlouismo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be nice for your wifes sake
2006-09-14 00:43:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋