HOW TO MAKE YOUR MOTHER IN-LAW LOVE YOU
Mother in-laws are gift from God. Joining your spouse’s family may mean navigating difficult relationships, especially with their mother. Whether you want to have a positive relationship from the start or you’re currently working through difficulties, it’s possible to get along with your mother-in-law there is nothing impossible in life. Treat your mother-in-law with respect and kindness. Involve your spouse, especially if there’s conflict. Get comfortable with compromising and being firm when necessary, especially if you live with your mother-in-law. Mothers-in-law have a special status in our society, though sadly not an elevated one. We're all familiar with the stereotype of the meddling, domineering or just plain cranky old woman with chin hairs who functions mainly as a punchline.
Put yourself in a positive mindset when you see her. When you’re about to see your mother-in-law, get into a positive mindset. Turn on your friendliness and kindness, even if it feels a bit forced. If you approach the situation from a positive standpoint, it may turn out better than expected Try to treat your mother-in-law and your mother equally. For example if you give your mother a birthday gift, then give your mother-in-law a gift for her birthday too. If you have children, then visit your mother and your mother-in-law with similar frequency. For example, if you’re driving to her home, smile in the car on the ride over and think of nice things to talk about together. One you see her, smile, greet her, and show her respect, affection, and warmth.
The fact that the lady has spent a significant part of her life raising her son may make her a little sensitive when another person becomes the center of attraction of her son's life. Though most mothers do not consider her daughter-in-law competition, there are some mothers who do. The ones whose life revolved around their child for a long time because they are a single parent or had only one child are the ones who are most likely to behave in this way. If, for example, your mother-in-law mentions how much her son always liked her home cooking, do not try to compete by asserting how much he likes your cooking now. This would invariably hurt her. Always pray for your mother in-law. My beautiful mother in law has diabetes. She has always been so kind to me and helpful. I pray Lord that she feels some peace and that you can help her, to envelop her in your loving healing embrace and comfort her in her time of need. Amen
