Set aside those petty bickering topics like religion and politics, topics that you just know will become bones of contention when you spend time together. You're not going to change their point of view, nor will they change yours, so why create bad blood over it? And the kids - if and when you have them - may be the point on which you don't agree with your in-laws. Again, not sweating the small stuff is the way to go. If their way of caring for your children is loving and not abusive, then it should be easy to let bygones be bygones. Your children are your children, after all, and they model your behavior most of the time, not their grandparents'. Finally, find ways to be grateful for the people who brought your mate into the world - without them, where would you be?