Step 8: The Defensive Position

When dealing with in-laws, it's essential to be prepared for the inevitable onslaught of questions, comments, and unsolicited advice.

Prepare for Battle:

Develop a poker face: Practice your neutral expression in front of a mirror.
Hone your evasion skills: Learn to say "I'm on my way out" without actually leaving the room.
Arm yourself with snacks: Stock up on emergency cookies and a fire extinguisher.

If things get too heated, it's time to retreat to a safe space.

Claim a fake emergency: "I have to go check on my cat!"
Invoke the power of technology: "I'm on a Zoom call, can we talk later?"
Deploy the "I'm not a morning person" defense: "Can we talk about this later, when I'm more awake?."

Remember, the goal is to survive the interaction with minimal emotional trauma.