Family is supposed to be a blessing, but in-laws like Phingiwe Sosala and her meddling mother Senzeni can turn life into a soap opera!
As Zuba Season 8 continues to unfold, we’ve witnessed some of their toxic antics. If you’ve ever dealt with in-law drama, here are five practical tips inspired by the Sosalas’ chaos:
1. Set clear boundaries like Vinny did
Vinny stood by his wife Tapiwa despite his mother’s attempts to sabotage their marriage. He made it clear that Tapiwa was his priority and warned his mother to back off.
Tip: Clearly communicate your limits to your in-laws and enforce them. Protect your partner and your relationship by presenting a united front.
2. Don’t let their opinions define you
Phingiwe and Senzeni made it their mission to criticize Tapiwa for her inability to have children, even encouraging Vinny to consider leave her.
Tip: Remember, their opinions don’t define your worth. Focus on your value and support your partner through tough times, rather than succumbing to negativity.
3. Watch out for self-serving behavior
Phingiwe’s sudden warmth toward Anna after learning about her inheritance screams ulterior motives!
Tip: Pay attention to whether your potential in-laws’ kindness is genuine or transactional. If their behavior feels insincere, maintain a healthy emotional distance to protect your peace.
4. Call out toxicity when you see it
Anna had no issue storming out when she realized the Sosalas were only interested in her wealth.
Tip: When confronted with toxic behavior, address it calmly but firmly. Walking away, like Anna did, is a valid option when the environment becomes too much to handle.
5. Build your own support system
Both Tapiwa and Anna find themselves at odds with the Sosalas, but having a partner like Vinny or a support network can make all the difference.
Tip: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. This can buffer the negativity and help you stay strong.
At the end of the day, navigating toxic in-law relationships can be tricky, but setting boundaries, calling out toxic behavior, and focusing on healthy relationships will help you rise above the drama—just like Zuba’s Tapiwa and Anna! Tune in to Zuba, airing every Monday to Wednesday at 20:00 on Zambezi Magic, to see how these stories unfold.