Ben and Jessica
Yesterday my youngest son proposed to his adorable sweetheart of four years, bringing me to the place where I must soon (as Susan Kaye so charmingly puts it) join the Mothers-in-Law Club.
Which means, I think, that in every circumstance I encourage, give support, and exercise tact. In other words, I mind my own business! 
It occurs to me that Jane Austen did not think much of mothers-in-law, as evidenced in her fiction. Who are these girls? (Yes, girls, for egad, they are not much older than I’m becoming!)
- Mrs Bennet
- Mrs Musgrove
- Mrs Rushworth
Not an attractive bunch! Help me out here. Whom am I leaving out? And what advice do you have for me, the mother-in-law to be?
Ben and Jessica yesterday
Jessie’s Chinese cookie fortune, pre-proposal, was quite the stunner for my son. She said yes. And immediately they took photos for (what else?) Facebook.
Proud of my boy! The diamond is my grandmother’s, but he chose the elegant setting on his own. They’d like to be married this August. Needless to say, both sets of parents are delighted but scrambling…
I’ll share more as I learn it.
The best thing is to give good counsel over and over and over again. The momentary crises that are inevitable get their attention and they are off and running, We get to sooth, pass the Maalox and give the good advice.
Never use any words you aren’t prepared to eat later.
Good advice without taking credit, eh? And nary an “I told you so,” to be heard.
Congratulations! Think about what gorgeous grandkids you’ll have someday
Thanks, Carrie! On the subject of children, I was told, “Mom, we aren’t stupid! We won’t have children for a LONG time.”
To which I smilingly replied, “Don’t fool yourself.”
Sounds like I should have followed Susan’s advice, above.
Never give your honest opinion — even when they ask for it. They don’t really mean it. What they really mean is, “Support my position.” So if you can’t, tell them that you have confidence in them, and you are sure they’ll make the right decision. Then pray — a lot.
Gayle, I think you’re on to something here.
Part of the trouble is that our children know us too well. One of my friends was planning a wedding for her daughter. She was very supportive and wanted her daughter to have everything her way. Then came choice for the bridesmaid dresses. My friend did not care for the cut or color her daughter chose, but said, sincerely, “They’re lovely. Just right. I like them.”
Except the daughter knew that she didn’t like them and became frustrated..
“The important thing is that YOU like them,” my friend replied. “It’s your wedding and I want you to have just what you want.”
Even so, the daughter was unhappy. It was a no-win situation. The daughter wanted what she knew she couldn’t have—her mom’s taste to change!
Funny how we are.
“Never give your honest opinion.” I’ll remember that. And pray, yes.
You will be a wonderful mother-in-law. You have the heart for it.
Aww, Gayle. I’ve had years of practice letting my sons go. (Never mind that they’re all living at home right now — student loan reduction plan!) I think it would be different with a daughter.
When I know that I am letting my younger daughter go for marriage to a wonderful, Godly young man who loves her, it won’t be a problem. My older daughter is married, and I’m the perfect mom-in-law to my son. I haven’t seen either of them for over a year, and I’ve sent care packages to them overseas. Since I don’t know their business, it’s very easy to stay out of it. And, I have no opinions at all. ; )
A daughter is a daughter all of her life; a son is a son ’til he takes a wife.
And don’t be surprised if they live a decent distance from you. Distance and absence make the heart grow fonder. It’s knowing the day-to-day that can make things sticky.
Ans Gayle is right, praying all the time helps. Sort of.