Previous studies on the relation between mothers- and daughters-in-law emphasized relational conflict and used static models to identify sources of conflict. They concluded there is no way to improve negative relations and neglected either the dynamic process of relational transformation or the dyadic interaction. This study used the dynamic model of interpersonal harmony and conflict to explore the constructive harmonization process and conflict transformation mechanisms between mothers- and daughters-in-law. Analysis of interviews conducted with 8 mothers-in-law and 11 daughters-in law (not paired) revealed 2 possible courses of relational transformation. All participants maintained relational harmony early in the relationship, hiding discomfort out of fear of face-to-face conflict. In the second stage, if mutual obligations as daughter-and mother-in-law were fulfilled, their relationship became one of genuine harmony (GH), meaning that outer behavior matched hidden emotions. However, if mutual obligations were ignored, their relations were characterized by superficial harmony (SH), meaning outer behavior did not match hidden emotions related to conflict. Three phases of GH were identified: GH forms as each fulfills role obligations and affection (chin-yi), GH develops as genuine instead of obligatory affection is expressed and the negative emotion resulting from hidden conf1ict transforms to positive emotion and cognition, and GH is reinforced as drop their role obligations under the Chinese patriarchal hierarchy and no longer fear face-to-face conf1ict. Three phases of SH were identified: SH is maintained when obligatory role affection is ignored, SH becomes fixed if role obligations are not fulfilled, and SH becomes outright conf1ict frequently involving other family members. For both types of harmony the 3 phases differed according to the intensity of the relationship and progress of time. Interpersonal conf1ict between mothers- and daughters-in-law is a dynamic process. The mechanism for transforming hidden conflict into positive relations is the key to improving the relationship. Developing and reinforcing GH supports positive relationships between mothers- and daughters-in-law better than avoiding face-to-face conflict.