The secular media loves to portray mothers-in-law as harping, critical dragon ladies who are never satisfied with their underachieving sons-in-law (and who nevertheless always manage to overstay their welcome). However, with a little effort, sensitivity, and communication, there’s no reason a son-in-law and mother-in-law can’t enjoy a pleasant, if not positive, relationship.
To everyone’s surprise my father — not given to discussing his feelings — replied simply “Oh I don’t know. I think I had one.”
What a woman wouldn’t give to hear her son-in-law make such a comment. But being —or having — a good mother-in-law isn’t just a matter of mazel. There’s much we can do to make it happen.
Fasten Seat Belts
Every family changes over the years and the arrival or departure of each family member creates a tectonic shift in the terrain of family life. These shake-ups both happy and sad require learning to navigate untraveled paths.
Making the adjustment to a new son-in-law can range from adapting to not serving gebrochts on Pesach to getting used to his forty-five-minute Shabbos pilpul or his eccentric sense of humor.
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