How to get Along With Your Mother in law

The relationship between a mother and the person who marries her child is usually a little challenging. There is no avoiding your mother-in-law, however. She's a very important part of your spouse's life, which makes her a very important person for you to get along with. While the relationship may be a little tricky, there are things you can do go get along with her better.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Talk with your spouse. Your spouse has known her mother all her life, so no one has more experience getting along with her than your spouse. Ask her for ideas on how to get on your mother-in-law's good side. She might even be able to act as a mediator in the relationship.
2. Assume she is a good person. Your mother-in-law may be especially hard on you because she might feel like you're taking her place. Try not to hold this against her, accept her behavior and try to be understanding.
3. Become her friend. Talk to her to see if you have any common interests and focus on those instead of the areas of tension. You can always talk about the one interest you definitely have in common: your spouse.
4. Give her a present. Sometimes when a relationship becomes tense it takes something out of the ordinary to break the cycle. The next time you go to her house, give her a bouquet of her favorite flowers or a box of chocolates.
5. Use your sense of humor. No matter how good you learn to get along with your mother-in-law, there will always be some tension. Try to see the humor in the situation. This makes you feel better and helps you think of your mother-in-law as a positive in your life.
6. Be realistic. Instead of trying to make your mother-in-law think you're the greatest person in the world, focus on simply getting along and being civil. If you can manage a civil relationship, a friendship could develop naturally.