Are You the Exception to the Rule?

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

We've all heard the jokes about mother in laws. They seem to be standard fair of comedians. And yes, I've seen some mother in law and daughter in law or son in law relationships that give credence to those jokes. But then there are the others.

Years ago I knew a lady whose relationship with her daughter in law was so beautiful. When people heard her talk about Jill you could hear the love in her voice. People always assumed she was talking about her daughter. When they found out Jill was her daughter in law they were stunned. Should we be so surprised when this happens though?

My mother thought Mick was great. The feeling was mutual. He got along better with my Mom than he did with his own. My Mom called him her son. We lived with my Mom for a time after we were married until we bought our own place. She lived with us after she became ill and until her death.

When Mick and I had an argument, she would not take my side. She didn't take sides at all but just let us get on with talking it through and working it out. We saw earlier too in Courtney's marriage blog the way Wayne welcomed his mother in law into their home. Are these the exceptions? In Distant Heart, a novel by Tracey Bateman, I saw this dedication 'To Vivian Bateman, my precious mother in law. You were the exception to the mother in law rule and I cherish the time we spent together. While I wrote this book, you battled illness and won heaven. I look forward to the day I see you again, vibrant and strong and joyful, waiting for the rest of us with those who have gone before. You are loved.' What a beautiful tribute to her mother in law.

If you are a mother-in-law could you imagine your son in law or daughter in law writing anything like that about you? If you are a daughter in law or son in law could you imagine writing that about your mother in law? What would you imagine writing?

For tips on developing and maintaining a good in law relationship have a look at this site.

Please visit these related blogs

7 Tips for a Good Marriage

How Wayne Welcomed His Mother-in-Law

A Novel Approach to Marital Advice

Three Little Words

Marriage is a Commitment

Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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