Traditionally, a honeymoon serves as a unique getaway for newlyweds to relax and celebrate after the whirlwind of their wedding. However, a new trend is causing people to consider whether having more companions might enhance the experience.
Nowadays, some couples are choosing to bring along their parents on this special journey, with discussions on social media also suggesting that some in-laws might even be extending their presence on their own initiative.
One Reddit user posted in the “r/WhiteLotusHBO” forum, blatantly stating, “Why Mom Is Coming on the Honeymoon.”
“I had a neighbor whose mother-in-law and father-in-law went on their honeymoon with them,” said one user.
“They felt they could because they gifted the couple their honeymoon to Hawaii. Such a strange, odd, family.”
“Not my honeymoon,” said one Redditor.
Another user wrote, “As long as the parents/in-laws are invited and the newlyweds have a separate bedroom, I don’t really see the problem.”
One individual shared, “During my honeymoon while I was five months pregnant, we decided on a short trip to the coast. Surprisingly, my husband asked his brother to join us so they could enjoy some fishing together.”
One user shared, “My first wedding was in Vegas and I kid you not, at the hotel my MIL [mother in law] was somehow assigned not only the room next door, but an adjoining room — as in, there was direct access from one room to the other.”
“My neighbors took their grandparents along on their honeymoon,” shared another.
In another Reddit forum, a user shared that her ex-husband wanted to take his mom and brother on their honeymoon.
Writing in the “r/CharlotteDobreYouTube” forum, the user said, “His family’s house was only one hour away from mine. It wasn’t a big deal at all.”
“I got excited again thinking we’d finally go somewhere nice. But nooo. He took me to his house, to sit with his mom,” the post read.
Thea Gallagher, a psychologist and the wellness programs director at NYU Langone Health in New York City, told Fox News Digital she thinks bringing family on a honeymoon is an “interesting concept.”
“I think it probably depends on your relationship with your parents and your agreement with your partner,” said Gallagher. “Obviously it would be important for both of you to be in agreement that this is the good choice.”
Gallagher said she wouldn’t recommend it if “it feels like you can’t be alone with your partner, but if it’s because you love your family and it’s a ‘more the merrier’ situation, I could see it being fun.”
She said before it is important to pre-establish alone time and boundaries.
In-laws can sometimes cause a strain on marriage as it “depends on how much unsolicited advice is shared,” said the relationship expert.
There are four issues that can occur, she said.
The first is boundary issues where “in-laws may overstep by offering unsolicited advice, making surprise visits, or interfering in parenting or financial decisions.
Loyalty dilemmas can occur when “one partner may feel caught between their spouse and their parents, leading to resentment or feelings of betrayal.”
Another is any cultural or generational differences that could occur, causing misunderstandings or friction.
The last is communication breakdowns — in which “couples may struggle to present a united front or avoid discussing in-law issues altogether, which can make things worse.”
Gallagher shared tips on setting healthy boundaries with in-laws.
She said open communication between partners about boundaries and expectations is important.
“Setting and enforcing limits with in-laws respectfully but firmly and presenting a united front as a couple to avoid triangulation or favoritism” is helpful.
Gallagher also said couples should also practice empathy.
