If you think your in laws are really difficult to live with but you do not have any other option, here are some tips to help you cope with them (not that mine are difficult to live with, but just tips for those who do find it difficult).

First of all show them full respect, remember they are you elders and should be respected. Even if their actions are not good towards you should show them some respect.

Show some loyalty towards your in-laws. This will bring you close to your spouse as they are usually loyal to their parents. Also even if the in-laws are not good, there is no need to criticize them. Even if your spouse criticizes them, you should try to calm him/her down instead of joining the bashing.

Share your feelings with your in-laws. This will help to build a close and strong relationship with them.

If your in-laws are worried about something or some thing is troubling them, make it a point to hear them out. This way not only will you heal their inner injurious but will also get closer to them.

Show honesty in sharing things like your feelings, thoughts and expectations. Tell, them how you plan to spend your holidays, when do you want to visit your parents. Talk to them about financial issues. This will make them feel important in your life.

You should take as good a care of your in-laws as you would do for your parents. It is really important that you stand with them when it comes to taking care of health and financial issues. Also find out what kinds of care do they expect from you, this way you will be able to satisfy them without any problem.

Also you have to set your in-laws as your top priority. Always, think of your in-laws as your real parents, this will help you overcome every problem.

The most important thing that helps to live in harmony with your in laws is to eliminate the biasness from your mind, at the first place that they want to harm you only then can you think rationally and objectively.

One very practical tip here: Have your own house located rather far from where your in-laws live. That way you would be able to stay away from them more often than necessary to eliminate any friction that might occur because of frequent meetings.

For me, to avoid misunderstandings, quarrels, etc...find time to have separate living from them...Its better to play it safe...

Yes, of course living separately or far apart is ideal if there are difficulties in your relationships with in-laws, but in some cases it is unfortunately impossible. There are couples who live close to a set of parents and can't do anything about it. You won't actually sell your house and move just to get away.

living in a place from your in-laws is good not only you avoid friction with them, but with you and your own family also. You can live independently and manage your own family without anyone trying to manipulate how you raise your family.

another tip would be listen to your in-laws. when they talk just listen. don't make comments, good or bad.

These are really good tips but I am not quite sure how anyone can think of in-laws as their real parents when they are doing everything they can to make your life miserable. I have read some posts here that indicate that some in-laws can be really cruel and even indifferent towards their children's spouse.

I am lucky that I get along with my spouses parents. This is not to say that we never have problems with them, but I try to stick with my guns and take everything with a grain of salt.
I have friends however, who have in laws that truly epitomize the saying, "you not only marry your spouse, but their family as well'.

I have another comment, about respect. Everyone would probably agree that you have to show respect to your inlaws, BUT. I think one should also deserve respect. While most people do, there are exceptions as well. I know of one. The man is a disgrace. His grown up children have all the right to be ashamed of him. They still treat him well, but I can completely understand their spouses who have no respect for this fellow.

I've never been married but I felt like I had In-Laws because I was living with my ex. At first, I was really, really nervous to meet them and wasn't sure if they liked me. Then, his mother was calling me and checking up on me like every week. It was amazing. I miss them more than my ex. I wanna keep in contact, but I know I hurt him, so I guess I'll just let them call me if they want