The relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law is a tricky one in India. It has a volatile range that nobody can predict or determine beforehand. Things might be sweet as honey one day and bitter as hell on another. You love them and you hate them, but you have to live with them.
The Indian daughter-in-law is no less. Most of the time, she comes with a mental image inspired from TV programs like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India, ready for a battle. Only to find out that she is dealing with simple parents, with Indian values, who just want to see their children happy. But in most cases it has been seen that in their effort to make everyone happy, the Indian daughter-in-law sometimes fails to voice certain opinions and is forced to keep shut about them.
Today, we give you a chance to express those opinions and let it come out once and for all. Shed away this mantle and feel free.
1. I do know how to raise children, although you may have greater experience
Mothers-in-law might have the experience, but the modern day daughter-in-law also carries good knowledge in raising children thanks to an abundance of information available on the internet. Our mothers-in-law raised their children differently, and we want to raise them in a way we feel is best for their future.
Don’t get emotional please.
2. I was not trained in housekeeping; but I do make an earnest effort to keep my home as clean and hygienic as I can
We like your suggestions, but it would be really nice if you don’t give one every time you saw us working around the house.
3. I have had just enough of the guilt trip for being a working mom
We like to work so that we can provide for our children with every opportunity in the world. And we are sorry that you were a stay-at-home mom.
4. You don’t have a patent right to your son, he’s meant to be shared between us
I agree that you bore the perfect man, and I am the luckiest girl alive. But let’s face it, despite the odds, I am his soulmate too.
5. Let’s not pretend! Please be true to who you are and let me also be who I am
I understand that you are finding it tough to play the typical Indian mother-in-law, but I am facing the same struggle too. Let’s be ourselves.
6. My husband’s parents are as important to me as are my own
Despite what your daughters tell you, I love you and give you the same attention as my own parents. We even visit both sets of grandparents with the same frequency.
7. I might not say it often, but I appreciate the way you brought up your son
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I am not trying to compete with you. And I love it when you cook your delicacies for him. Reminds me of my mom.
8. I respect you for your wisdom and experience
I feel honored when you share your stories of hardships and life experiences with me. Give me a chance to bond as I would really like your son to bond with my folks.
9. I don’t know you and you don’t know me. Let’s take it one day at a time
10. I would really love you to spoil my kids
They are as much as yours as mine. Despite what you think, they are blessed to have grandparents around.
11. If you don’t like something tell me on my face
Believe me. It’s going to be alright. And I will do the same if you tell me to my face what you want, but don’t make your son or my children a messenger. All this bottling up business is not healthy.
12. I don’t know how to tie a saree, but I am willing to invest in a pre-pleated one
13. I am a terrible cook and I appreciate the fact that you still eat what I dish out
But I am willing to learn, if you are willing to teach.
14. And please stop getting me gifts you like on every occasion, I hate it
Although, Kanta Bai loves whatever you get, I don’t relish it as much as you think I do. Next time, please ask. I will do the same, when I’m out looking for a gift for you.
15. Be kind to your son, don’t give him a choice between you and me
He is your son, my husband and the father of your grand kids. Let’s stop torturing him by putting him in situations where he needs to pick and choose. Let’s give the man a break.
