When it comes to mother-in-laws , we oftentimes hear stories of how toxic, negative, and problematic they can be. From controlling their sons to trying to be too involved with their grandchildren, they can step over the boundary lines a lot.
However, there are some in-laws who are a bit different than the stereotypical “monster-in-law.” Some of them are quite incredible, actually.
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She gives them the space they need.
“She’s the type that is extra supportive but from a far. She knows how to give my husband and I space, and she lets us come to her about things instead of intervening. Naturally, that makes me just want to involve her in as much as possible because she’s so humble and chill unlike my own mother,” said u/canadianchickkkk.
She makes accommodations for her DIL.
One Reddit user said her mother-in-law always looks out for her and makes sure she feels welcome when they come for dinner, even though she’s a vegan.
She cooks her own dish to make sure she has something to eat.
Respecting boundaries is so important.
” She accepted me right away even though I’m 13 years older than my husband. She is very caring, tries hard not to overstep any boundaries and doesn’t get into our business too much. She even came over and painted both of my porches for my daughter’s graduation party because I didn’t have the time to do it,” said u/StinkieBritches.
She goes above and beyond.
“This is the wedding cake my mother-in-law made for my wedding. She had kept it a top-secret project until the big day for my bride and me,” said one DIL.
Clearly, this MIL is not only caring and kind, but she is also talented!
They take pride in their accomplishments.
“My MIL is so super duper proud and enthusiastic about my university studies that she includes me when she’s mum-bragging to her friends.
‘Well, my son [DH’s name] is [insert amazing DH quality here], and my daughter in law just finished [course unit] for psychology! She’s putting so much effort in, clever duck,’ said u/ToastytheScarecrow.
MILs who take interest in their DIL’s interests.
“My mother-in-law knows I’m into Marvel, so she made me Groot using a technique called paper quilling,” said one Reddit user. It’s so nice when a MIL takes interest in things that their DIL like, especially when they go above and beyond to show it.
When they have similar interests, it’s great.
“My MIL and I are both mega nerds and she has the same twisted sense of humor I do. I am 37 weeks pregnant and she helped throw a baby shower for us. Not only was everything perfect, but she surprised me with a Harry Potter themed cake,” said u/cookiesformoose.
This DIL didn’t have a mother figure, so her MIL stepped up.
“When my Mom-in-Law went wedding dress shopping with me, she loudly announced that I looked like a white pumpkin when the sales person forced me into a hoop skirt thingy. Sounds bad, but it was exactly what I was thinking and it cracked me up,” said u/trekbette.
Some of them go above and beyond for their future grandbabies.
“My husband and I are expecting our first child, my mother-in-law’s first granddaughter. When she found out, she immediately got to work on these 2 beautiful quilts,” said one Reddit user. How sweet is it that her MIL handmade these.
Even ex-MILs can be amazing.
“My exMIL is amazing.
When my ex husband was sick in hospital, she came from the UK to Australia to see him and staying with us was just great. She taught me how to make his favourite meal and was really happy to learn I’d learned,” said u/InquisitorVawn.
A strong relationship is super meaningful.
Over time, building a close relationship with your MIL can be something that is truly beautiful.
At first, it may feel a bit challenging, but when you give them a chance, they can be some of the best friends you have in your life.
Some of them become best friends.
“She has treated me like one of her own since I first started dating my husband. She’s supportive and helps me talk through a problem rather than trying to parent. Every time we visit she and I split a bottle of wine and catch up like friends,” said u/mehunno.
They even give you awesome gifts sometimes.
“Lucky me, got this from my mother-in-law. Was my father-in-law’s turntable. It was in the junk pile after being in the garage for 20 years. After a clean, it’s good as new,” said one Reddit user.
It’s so nice when they pass down meaningful gifts!
Some go above and beyond to make people feel welcome.
“She has told me that she’s so happy that her daughter met me, she always greets me with a huge smile and a hug, and I have never left her house without a full belly. She’s also teaching me Spanish so I can understand every conversation that goes on in the house, as my wife’s family is Guatemalan,” said u/beardingmesoftly.
When they want you to be open and honest.
“5 months pregnant with my first and at lunch with my MIL the other day, she told me to please make sure I speak up if she’s ever doing or saying anything with baby that bothers me. And she meant it,” said u/indecisionmaker .
