‘Kisi aur ki beti humare ghar aayi hai’: Sonakshi Sinha on how in-laws made her feel after marrying Zaheer Iqbal; expert on building a strong relationship | Feelings News

Sonakshi Sinha recently opened up about the warm and loving bond she shares with her in-laws. During a live session on YouTube with her husband, Zaheer Iqbal, she spoke about how she was pampered as a daughter in her own home but feels even more cherished in her new family. She expressed gratitude for her in-laws, who make her feel like she has always been a part of their household.
When a follower asked her about whether she feels any difference between how her parents treated her versus how her in-laws treat her, Sonakshi replied, “As a daughter, I was obviously very pampered in my own house. But in my in-law’s house, they treat me like more than a daughter. I feel I’m truly blessed to have found in-laws like that.” She further added, “Kyunki wo responsibility bhi hai ki kisi aur ki beti humare ghar pe aayi hai. (Because they also feel the responsibility that another person’s daughter has come into their home). So they just go an extra mile every time and they just make me feel like I have always lived here and I’ve been born in this house and I am the daughter of this house.” 
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So, how can families foster a healthy and inclusive environment for a new member, especially a daughter-in-law?
Neha Cadabam, senior psycholog and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells , “Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for a new family member requires empathy, open communication, and mutual respect. Families can start acknowledging that the daughter-in-law is adjusting to a new home, traditions, and relationships. Encouraging open discussions about expectations without imposing rigid roles can help ease this transition.”

A sense of belonging is built when the family includes the new member in decision-making, respects her individuality, and provides emotional support rather than immediate expectations of conformity. “Small gestures like involving her in family traditions at her comfort level and encouraging her to maintain her own interests and identity can create a nurturing environment,” Cadabam notes.
What role does mutual effort play in building a strong relationship between a person and their in-laws?
Relationships thrive when both sides invest in understanding and patience, states Cadabam, adding that just as the daughter-in-law is adapting to a new family, “the in-laws are also adjusting to a new member.” Mutual effort means finding common ground, being open to learning about each other’s perspectives, and giving space for the relationship to grow organically.
She explains, “Simple acts of kindness, shared experiences, and clear communication help foster trust. Rather than expecting an immediate familial bond, allowing the relationship to develop at a comfortable pace leads to stronger connections. A healthy in-law relationship is not about perfection but about respect, effort, and willingness to embrace each other’s differences.”
Common challenges newly married individuals face when adjusting to a new family dynamic
Cadabam notes, “A common struggle is balancing one’s individuality with the expectations of the new family. Differences in lifestyle, traditions, and communication styles can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.”Story continues below this ad
To navigate these challenges, she says that newly married individuals can set healthy boundaries while also making an effort to engage with their in-laws’ traditions and values. Expressing concerns calmly and openly, rather than suppressing them, can prevent future conflicts. Seeking support from a partner is also essential, having honest conversations about expectations and feelings helps bridge gaps between the two families.