Gransnet forums

Chat

Problems with the Mother in Law?

(132 Posts)
Maggiemaybe Tue 27-Feb-18 08:43:39

We weren't at all alike, but got on well, probably because we respected each other and both bit our tongues a lot! She was a wonderful, loving grandma to our children, which was all that counted in the end.

kittylester Tue 27-Feb-18 08:30:23

My DH was a bit of a rebellious child - number 3 of 4 boys. When I came along, the wife of the eldest son was the favourite but, eventually, she showed her true colours and I became the reliable one.

We never had any animosity in the early days but by the time she died we were firm friends. I was so touched when she left me her engagement ring and, when he gave it to me, DFiL told me I had taken on her mantle as the strong, reliable woman in the family.

I am actually nothing like as strong as her (nor as scary!) but it made me feel wonderful.

OldMeg Tue 27-Feb-18 08:29:38

I may not have felt any affection towards my MiL, nor did we have much in common in terms of education, interests and so on. But I come of a generation and culture where we were taught to be polite and ‘do unto others’.

I have a very poor opinion of those who cannot exhibit basic good manners towards in laws.

jusnoneed Tue 27-Feb-18 08:29:05

I have had two MILs and they were both wonderful, loved them to bits. The first was a Yorkshire lady, 4'10" so was tiny but she took no nonsense and was good fun. We stayed friends even after I divorced her son.
The second was Welsh, from Aberfan. Different personality but we still got on well and spent a lot of time together.

I disliked my first DIL, stayed quiet about a lot not to upset my son. They eventually went their separate ways once he'd had enough of her ways.
His second wife I liked, but after said I didn't agree with them not telling his children they were getting married until after the event, I was told his family was none of my business. Not seen or spoken to any of them since - 10 years.

Bibbity Tue 27-Feb-18 08:27:41

My MiL has been Co this year.

vampirequeen Tue 27-Feb-18 08:14:35

My ex MIL was a weird cat lady. My current MIL was abusive to my DH when he was a child and, although I'm polite to her, there is no relationship as such.

Oopsadaisy12 Tue 27-Feb-18 08:06:31

There are so many posts on here from MILs who are desperate because, for some reason, they are unable to see their Grandchildren.
They all seem to have problems with the DILs, even though in most cases they say that their sons are happily married.
How many of us who married their sons have had a good relationship with the Mother in Law?