Show notes
Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to set boundaries with family, or how to repair your marriage after a fight about in-laws? In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish dives into two powerful listener questions that so many couples and families struggle with.First, Dr. Tracy explores the question: “Is it okay to intentionally avoid a sibling who constantly makes hurtful comments?” If you’ve ever dealt with toxic siblings, family tension, or sibling rivalry as adults, you’ll learn the difference between avoidance and boundaries, how to protect your emotional health at family gatherings, and how to communicate your limits without guilt.Then, she answers: “How do I repair my marriage after a fight about my mother-in-law wanting to live with us temporarily?” Dr. Tracy walks through a step-by-step process for marriage repair after conflict, including nervous system regulation, setting healthy in-law boundaries, and finding a way to work as a united team with your partner. If you’ve ever argued about your mother-in-law moving in, intrusive in-laws, or family living arrangements, this segment will give you the tools to navigate conflict, reconnect, and rebuild trust in your marriage.Key topics in this episode:Setting boundaries with siblings who cross the lineThe difference between avoidance and boundariesHow to stay emotionally safe during family gatheringsRepairing your marriage after an argument about in-lawsNavigating mother-in-law conflicts and living arrangement disputesBuilding a united front with your partnerPractical communication strategies for family conflictIf you’ve ever searched for “how to set boundaries with in-laws,” “toxic sibling relationships,” or “repair after marriage fights,” this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical steps forward. Jefferson Fisher's The Next Conversation book: Amazon LinkPreorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His MotherWant your questions answered on the show? Submit them here! Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it hereReady to deepen your connection? Download my 100 QuestionsBuild better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us ChallengeLINKS:Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACYK12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACYQuince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACYBranch Basics: Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter KitVionic Shoes: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.comMint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACYAirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.comGoPure Beauty: Save 25% at https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy code TRACYLumen: Save 15% at https://lumen.me/DEARTRACYLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices