Can mother in laws be friends?

Asked by: Shirley Champlin  |  Last update: October 30, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (11 votes)

As for the larger question, in-laws should indeed be considered family ... in law. Out of law (as with divorce), they may be considered friends if both parties are amenable. But they should never be considered benefactors.

Can your mother-in-law be your best friend?

It actually shouldn't be so surprising that a mother-in-law can be a best friend, considering she is the one responsible for raising the spouse of your dreams.

Do I need to be friends with my mother-in-law?

This is important for your marriage, especially once grandkids arrive. Good friendships, however, aren't guaranteed or even required. Depending on the difficulties between you, it may be wise to limit your time together.

Can you have a good relationship with your mother-in-law?

Whether you have a great relationship with your mother-in-law or you have tense struggles, maintaining good communication with your mother-in-law will help ease tension in your marriage. It is possible to get along with your mother-in-law, even if you both don't see eye-to-eye some of the time.

Do I have to be friends with my daughter's mother-in-law?

You don't have to become best friends with your child's in-laws, but for the sake of future family well-being, it's a good idea to try to keep the peace.

Your Mother In law is not your Friend. And will never be your Friend .

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Is it OK to stop talking to mother-in-law?

While ignoring your mother-in-law completely should be a last resort, it's fine to reduce the amount of time you spend with her. It's absolutely acceptable for your spouse to attend some family events without you, and this may even make your mother-in-law happier.

Should you stand up to your mother-in-law?

It will be difficult, I'm sure, but you need to get in the habit of standing up for what you think is right, even (and especially) against imperious MILs. As your daughter grows older, she will be glad and proud that you didn't stand by and do nothing when something you cared about was at stake.

What are signs of a good mother-in-law?

She treats you with the same love and respect she gives her other kids, chides you lovingly, and doesn't treat you like an outsider. At the end of the day, she is still your mother-in-law, so there may be a bit of the distance brought around by that technicality.

What is a healthy relationship with mother-in-law?

Learn to listen.

Take the time to listen to how she's feeling and what she needs from you as her daughter-in-law. Ask her things like, "What can I do to improve our relationship?" You both have your own needs, so take the time to make sure those needs are met. A great relationship is a two way street.

Can a toxic mother-in-law ruin a relationship?

Badmouthing you to your spouse is one of the most common tactics an overbearing mother-in-law uses to ruin marriages. She will constantly try to turn her child against their spouse to get them to always side with her. She'll find reasons to blame you and show your spouse how disturbed she is by your actions.

How often should you talk to mother-in-law?

Call to talk ONLY when you feel like it. 3 times a day or once a week. Whenever you want to. If she or the husband gets offended, you must insist that your husband talks to your own mother everyday as well.

Do I have to like my mother-in-law?

The truth is, you may never like your in-laws. And that's totally fine. You don't have to. It's just important to keep the drama and the tension to a minimum as much as you can for the sake of your spouse and your children (if you have them).

Should I call my mother-in-law everyday?

There is nothing wrong in calling her daily. But it should happen out your respect for her and not out of fear. Don't make calling your mother-in-law a compulsion. If you do so, you will start hating it.

What do you call mother in-laws to each other?

A mother-in-law is the mother of a person's spouse. Two women who are mothers-in-law to each other's children may be called co-mothers-in-law, or, if there are grandchildren, co-grandmothers.

Can a mother-in-law be jealous?

Jealous mother-in-law signs may involve interfering in your marriage, the way you function or being vocal about how you should raise your children. She will try to find faults with your style of upbringing and maybe even compare you with how excellently she brought up her children.

Can in-laws be jealous?

Although it might seem inexplicable to you that your in-laws aren't getting along with your parents, it can happen, and when it does, it can hurt the dynamic of the entire family. “Having in-laws who are jealous of your own parents is more common than you might expect,” relationship coach Krishna Avalon tells Romper.

What is an unhealthy mother-in-law relationship?

Unfortunately, toxic mothers-in-law often disregard boundaries by encouraging your spouse to keep secrets from you, showing up at your house unannounced, and questioning your parenting style. Poor boundaries with a mother-in-law can cause chaos and disrupt a marital relationship.

What makes a mother-in-law happy?

Mother in laws love a good compliment and they will never tire of it! So, when she cooks or organizes something be sure to let her know great she is. Say these things with a warm smile to show that you are actually genuine about it. Doing this will show her how much you respect and value her opinion.

What is mother-in-law daughter-in-law syndrome?

The Mother-in-law Daughter-in-law Syndrome occurs when the two ladies of the house do not get along, resulting in tension, affecting the overall atmosphere at home. These issues have always been present, but it has become even more prominent in today's changing times.

What questions do mother-in-law ask?

8 Conversation Topics to Chat About With Your In-Laws
  • Your Partner as a Child. ...
  • Your In-Laws' Childhood. ...
  • Advice You Need. ...
  • Interests You Share (That Your Partner Doesn't) ...
  • Your In-Laws' Love Story. ...
  • Their Favorite Random Facts. ...
  • Family Rituals and Traditions. ...
  • Recent Accomplishments.

Why do mother-in-law and daughter-in-law fight?

“Initially, a mother-in-law is happy to see her son married. But after a while, insecurity creeps in. The mother-in-law is used to running the house in a certain way, and feels threatened if the daughter-in-law wants to make changes,” says Dr Gittanjali Saxena, relationship expert.

How do you deal with a smart mother-in-law?

Smart ways to deal with a manipulative mother-in-law
  1. 01/6Smart ways to deal with a manipulative mother-in-law. ...
  2. 02/6Give her assurance. ...
  3. 03/6Communicate with her about everything. ...
  4. 04/6Behave smartly when it comes to fights. ...
  5. 05/6Celebrate her special days. ...
  6. 06/6Don't involve your spouse.

How do I get respect from my mother in law?

How to Get Along with Your Mother in Law
  1. Always be polite to her.
  2. Get to know each other.
  3. Ask for her advice.
  4. Give her compliments.
  5. Offer practical help.
  6. Acknowledge the good things she does.
  7. Respect her beliefs and priorities.
  8. Set boundaries with her.

How do you set boundaries with a mother in law baby?

How to Set Boundaries with a Baby and Your Mother in Law
  1. 1 Talk to your mother-in-law right away.
  2. 2 Get on the same page with your partner.
  3. 3 Pick a time to talk when everyone is calm.
  4. 4 Let your partner lead the conversation.
  5. 5 State your boundaries clearly and confidently.

What does a good mother in law do?

Be a Respectful Mother-in-Law

Being respectful of the couple's time and relationship builds a sense of trust. It also communicates that you value and prioritize their needs as a family unit and are willing to respect their boundaries. In return, they will hopefully respect your boundaries as well.