Modern technology helps keep us connected like never before. Between smartphones, email, Facebook and Twitter, your friends and family are practically unavoidable. So what about those loved ones you want close, but not too close?
We’ve got a break down of the best iPhone apps for dealing with the in-laws, whether it be for an in-town visit or cross-country communication. So stop shuttering every time you hear your spouse’s mother’s voice on the phone. Trust us, there is an app for that.
The key to staying in the good graces of your in-laws (and those of your spouse) is remembering who’s who. Fill in the free Ancestry app for future reference. It will ensure that you don’t get Uncle Ted mixed up with Aunt Cindy.
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For those of you trying to communicate with in-laws who live elsewhere, we recommend a great photo sharing app. Chances are they want to see pictures of their good looking their children and grandchildren more than anything else. The Flickr app (free) is at the top of our list because it is widely used. You and your family members probably already have accounts, and it makes uploading and viewing photos a cinch.
The official Facebook app is not a bad choice either. You can create a “family” list and share as many photos as you like without having it overlap into your professional life.
When a dozen photos isn’t enough to satiate them, it is time to invest in the free Skype app. The iPhone version functions just as the computer version does. It will prove particularly handy at events like birthday dinners or piano recitals, when you can include your family in activities first-hand. Being able to see one another is sweeter than simply speaking over the phone. The family will love it!
Remembering and acknowledging key dates is also a smart move. With the free American Greetings ecards app, you can send anniversary cards and birthday cards like clockwork. A new feature even allows you to add a photo.
If you have in-laws traveling into town, cut down on the drama by making the airport run quick and efficient. The FlightCaster Pro app (free) will enable you to track incoming and departing flights down to the minute, so neither the visitors nor the hosts are snuck at O’Hare airport any longer than they have to be. Nothing sets the tone like a stress-free pickup.
Your iPhone can also help you maintain a list of fun, out-of-the house activities so you can keep your visiting in-laws busy. The free Museum Locator app is good for the art-minded and the Local Concerts app, also free, is great for live musical performances. If your visitors are the get-out-there and stretch-their-legs types, then use the free EveryTrail app. It will connect you with a bevy of outdoor adventure options.
When all else fails, it might simply be time for everyone to sit down and have a drink. While you might be of the Red Bull and vodka generation, chances are your in-laws are not. So before you ruin their Old Fashioned, download the free Mixology app. It hasn’t let us done yet.
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Download the free Appolicious iPhone app
