1. Be open minded. The reason something is called a custom or a tradition is because you do it, and have been doing it for a long time. So, it is obvious that trying to all of the sudden be apart of a different tradition, or different custom, one that is different from your own can be hard. The problem is that too many people think hard means impossible, and then they do not try. However, you have to be open minded about it. You have to think about the fact that adjusting to your customs and traditions is probably just as hard for your spouse. They love their traditions for valid reasons, so be open minded about them. Just because you are not used to it does not make it bad. So, look for the good, and give it a shot, let your spouse show you why they love their traditions.

If you can not be open minded, you will never be able to adapt to their in-laws customs and traditions.

2. Learn about them. One of the best ways to adapt to your in-laws customs and traditions is to learn about them. Why do they have these customs? Why do they have these traditions? When you learn the reasons behind the traditions, it can be a lot easier to adapt to them. For example, if your spouse's family always eats Thanksgiving out and that is something you struggle with because home made potatoes, stuffing, turkey, and yams you should find out why. When you learn that the reason this is a tradition is because your mother in law burnt the turkey three years in a row, you can laugh at this tradition, and enjoy the fun at the restaurant when everyone teases mom about how great the restaurant turkey is compared to hers. When you look at the reasons behind the traditions you can learn to adapt to them more quickly.

3. Participate in them. Take part. If you want to learn to adapt to the customs and traditions of your in-laws you have to take part of them. You have to be willing to try something if you want to ever like it. If you never try it how do you know if it is something you can adapt to? The saying "fake it until you make it" really applies here. If you can pretend to like the custom or tradition, or at least put up with it until you understand it better, chances are you will eventually start to like it.

Your in-laws customs and traditions are important part of their family, and when you join the family, it is important that you make an effort to appreciate and join in the traditions, or at the very least, try to understand and accept the significance of these traditions for your spouse.