I’ve been married for ten years, and in that time, I’ve learned that my greatest ally in my marriage is my mother-in-law, Carol. She has this uncanny ability to offer my husband advice that makes sense to him—at least when I need it the most. Want to know why he leaves his shoes right at the front door? Or why the laundry hamper seems invisible to him? Carol’s got the answers!
Not only is she a storyteller extraordinaire and a Sunday dinner enthusiast who might indulge a bit too much in wine, but she also has a knack for convincing stores to accept returns, even against strict policies. Oh, and did I mention that at her “ripe” age, she can still dance all night to some great blues?
Having Carol as my BFF is a blessing, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Our friendship has weathered some storms, especially when I realized that her parenting choices might have had a hand in shaping my husband’s “unique” habits. Yikes! So, if you’re looking to forge a close bond with your MIL, keep these eight rules in mind:
- Avoid Discussing Intimacy: Seriously, do you want to picture your MIL’s romantic escapades with your father-in-law? No, thank you! Keep your private life under wraps—your kids came into existence through the miracle of immaculate conception, in her eyes.
- Don’t Complain About Your Kids: No matter how much you want to vent about your little ones, your MIL will likely jump in with “I told you so” or want to share her wisdom. Save the kiddo gripes for your fellow mom friends.
- Steer Clear of MIL Complaints: This one’s a no-brainer.
- Don’t Stress Over Rule-Breaking: If she babysits and disregards your rules, remember she’s doing it out of love (and probably for free). Expecting her to spoil your kids is part of the gig—so don’t act surprised!
- Keep Hubby Out of It: Venting about your husband can lead to disaster. If you share your frustrations, don’t be shocked if she morphs into a protective mama bear.
- Be Kind About Siblings: No matter how much you might dislike your husband’s siblings, avoid being critical. I once made a snarky comment about my brother-in-law, and to this day, Carol hasn’t let it go. Tread carefully!
- Wine Glasses Matter: If you’re enjoying a glass together, let her have the bigger serving. It’s a sign of respect.
- Don’t Act Like the Favorite: Even if you are the favorite daughter-in-law, keep it on the down-low. Just because you bond over wine and Pinterest doesn’t mean you should flaunt it when others are around.
I know, it sounds a bit wild to be close friends with your mother-in-law. We’ve all heard the horror stories! But if you’re fortunate enough to have a wonderful MIL, embrace it. You might just gain an incredible friend and a little insight into your partner’s quirks along the way. If you’re interested in more insights on family matters, be sure to check out our post on home insemination kits. And for expert advice on artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom. For additional resources on pregnancy, WebMD has fantastic information.
Summary: Building a relationship with your mother-in-law can be rewarding yet complex. By following these eight rules—like avoiding sensitive topics and being respectful of her parenting style—you can maintain a harmonious friendship. Celebrate the bond you have and remember to tread carefully, especially around family dynamics.