Never rely on the glory of the morning nor the smiles of your mother-in-law.
–Japanese proverb
I often wonder how broadly the bad rap given to mother-in-laws really applies. It would be an interesting anthropological study to undertake, yes? Would an experiment prove that 50 percent of all mothers-in-law were unbearable? 75 percent? 95 percent? And which mothers-in-law have the worst reputations – ones with sons-in-law or daughters-in-law? Someday, if indeed Noah and Chase walk the straight and predictable societal path, I will become such a creature and I will get me a daughter-in law or two. Incidentally, I already have at least one picked out.
Meet J. She is very cute and very smart, she climbed this swingset as fast as Noah, and she can hold a conversation with an adult way longer than any 10 year should be able. And I just have a feeling that her Mom and I wouldn’t fight with each other about who would wear what to the wedding. But I digress.
My point is this: In-Laws get a bad rap. In fact, if you can claim just one of the following fun facts about your in-laws, then you are pretty darn lucky:
- They can’t wait to see their grandchildren, even if they just saw them the day before.
- They always take your side in a disagreement, rather than the side of their own flesh and blood.
- Your mother-in-law asks you to go shopping and you think that sounds like fun.
- They love your dog more than as much as they love you.
- They’re not afraid to play Monopoly with the grandkids – and whip their little butts into bankruptcy.
- They don’t criticize your cooking or the fact that you, um, don’t really cook.
- They create their own traditions without even trying – like Papa hugs, lobster dinners, and dominos.
- They don’t take offense when you can’t (no matter how hard you try), stomach the family’s famous cucumber soup.
- They’re hip enough that you can drop f-bombs around them, cool enough to withstand the boys’ bathroom humor, and good humored enough to crack their own jokes on a regular basis.
- Your kids can’t wait to see them, even if they just saw them the day before.
So, I promise you J (or whoever the lucky girl or girls are to marry my guys in uh…20 years or so), that I will strive for all this and more. Because no matter what they tell you, you really do marry “the family”. So if any of these qualifications match your in-laws, send them this post and tell them you love them. As for me, I’ll add just one more sign of great in-laws: They read your blog.
