If you're having a hard time with your mother-in-law, make your relationship with your partner the priority. Even though your mother-in-law may disapprove of your relationship, the most important relationship for you to focus on is the one you have with your partner. Let your partner know how you feel about him and that you are committed to the relationship. Giving your partner a sense of security will reduce the anxiety he experiences when dealing with disapproval from his mother.

Try not to take the disapproval of the relationship personally. Although there may be specific things about you that your mother-in-law dislikes or disapproves of, chances are, much of her disapproval is unrelated to you specifically and is related more to her own feelings about her child being in a relationship. It is possible that she has an ideal partner in mind that no individual could ever live up to.

Seek support for your relationship from other sources. Social support and approval of relationships from parents are important predictors of relationship well-being and the health of the individuals within the relationship, but research has shown that support from friends can be equally, if not more, important. If your mother-in-law is withholding support for your relationship, it may be beneficial to focus on relationships with friends and other family members who do approve of the relationship. Experiencing the approval and support of others will help bolster your relationship with your partner and mitigate the effects of not having the support of your mother-in-law.

Encourage your mother-in-law to get to know you. Your mother-in-law may disapprove of your relationship and meddle with your marriage simply because she doesn't truly know you. Although it can be difficult to reach out to someone who is making your life difficult, do your best to build a positive relationship with her. Make yourself available to spend time with her and try not to turn down any invitations or efforts that she makes.

Emphasize the things you have in common when spending time with your mother-in-law. Ask your partner about her mother and figure out what the two of you have in common. Finding common ground can help give you a basis for building a relationship and may make your mother-in-law feel more comfortable around you, leading to increased approval of your marriage to her daughter.

Continue to demonstrate your commitment to and love for your partner. Although you do not need to prove your worthiness as a spouse or partner to your mother-in-law, the more she sees that her child is happy in the relationship with you, the more likely she will be to approve of the marriage and become supportive. Research has found that parents become more approving of relationships the longer the relationships last and the more committed the relationships appear. Continuing to demonstrate that you are committed to your partner and to your marriage can help make your mother-in-law feel more confident that her child is in a happy and healthy relationship.