After a decade of marriage, I’ve come to realize that my mother-in-law, Karen, is not just family; she’s one of my closest friends. Karen has a knack for providing perspective to my husband, Ted, when I need it the most. Whether it’s figuring out why he leaves his shoes right in front of the door or why the laundry hamper seems invisible to him, she has all the answers.
Not only can she spin a good yarn and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine during Sunday dinner, but she can also charm her way into returning items to stores with strict policies. And let’s not forget that despite being a certain age, she can still dance the night away to blues music!
However, our friendship hasn’t been without its challenges. We’ve navigated some tricky waters together, and thankfully, we’ve emerged into a smooth phase of our relationship. Trust me when I say, if you want to cultivate a close bond with your MIL, you must follow these 8 crucial rules:
- No Talking About Intimacy: Seriously, do you want to hear about Karen’s romantic escapades? Keep your personal life private. In her eyes, your kids are a result of the immaculate conception.
- Avoid Complaining About Your Kids: Whatever your feelings, she’ll likely respond with an “I-told-you-so” or unsolicited advice. If you need to vent about your little ones, save that for your mom friends.
- Don’t Criticize Your MIL: This one’s a no-brainer.
- Let Rule-Breaking Slide: If she babysits and bends your rules, remember she’s probably doing it out of love—often for free. Expect spoiling, and don’t be surprised when it happens.
- Keep Gripes About Your Husband to Yourself: If you do complain, be ready for some serious repercussions. Remember that time I connected the dots between Ted’s behavior and how Karen raised him? Let’s just say, yikes!
- No Negative Comments About Siblings-in-Law: Even if you can’t stand them, tread lightly. I once made a snarky comment about my sister-in-law, and Karen hasn’t let me forget it.
- Respect the Wine Hierarchy: Always let her have the bigger glass. It’s a sign of respect, after all.
- Don’t Act Like the Favorite DIL: Even if you are the favorite, be cautious. The dreaded sister-in-law is always lurking around, ready to take notice. So, save the bonding over Pinterest and wine for when you’re alone.
You might be thinking that it sounds a bit bizarre to be best friends with your mother-in-law. We’ve all heard the horror stories about difficult in-laws, but if you’re fortunate enough to have one that you enjoy spending time with, embrace it! At the very least, you gain a fantastic friend and insight into what makes your partner tick.
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Summary
Forging a close friendship with your mother-in-law can be rewarding but requires navigating certain boundaries and rules. Maintain privacy about intimate topics, avoid negativity about children and family, and embrace the quirks that come with her babysitting. If you manage these aspects well, you can enjoy a fulfilling relationship that enriches your family life.
Keyphrase: mother-in-law friendship tips
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