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Field Guide to Mothers-in-law

The Type What They're Famous For

The Fancypants

Natural Habitat: Saks

How to Spot: She’s dressed to the nines and makes you feel like a schlub.

How to Approach: This species will always try to top you—so the best way to get respect is to stick to your own style.

The Conservative

Natural Habitat: Church

How to Spot: Says a snide “I see,” when you talk, and makes you feel like a child.

How to Approach: You can argue, but it won’t get you far. Biting your tongue will save you some grief and get you home sooner.

The Cool One

Natural Habitat: Her Volvo

How to Spot:
She’s often hard to find since she has a very busy life of her own. 

How to Approach: Don’t try too hard—once you spend enough time being yourself with her, she’ll be a good friend first, and a MIL second.

The Generation Gapper

Natural Habitat: The kitchen

How to Spot: She speaks an entirely different language.

How to Approach: She still thinks her way is best, but she can also have some wisdom to impart.

The HIppie

Natural Habitat: Self- help group or yoga mat

How to Spot: She’ll drop by unexpectedly.

How to Approach: You won’t get this species on your schedule or comfort level, but you can let her know some boundaries, like weekday walk-ins: off-limits but Sundays, okay.

The M.I.L.F. Wannabe

Natural Habitat: The plastic surgeon or spa

How to Spot: She wants to be your BFF since you married her “mamma’s boy.”

How to Approach: This species is looking for a friend and some reassurance. Smile and help her feel important.

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nj_allstar
I think they left out "the ***" natural habitat in front of her computer sending unnecessary hateful emails! Lol

kjane12
I think I have anwallette's crazy mixed with mrsmegs' personal space intrusive MIL

backwardsdog
How about the one with the economic status & life experiences that are so completely different?

Missa8522
What about the one that hires some one for everything, leaving me with a husband to be that I needed to teach how to do basic chores?

kdunevant
OMG!!! ChrisCoy mine is a conservative as well!! She is a "preacher's wife" and the biggest hypocrite. She has talked crap about me when I first met my then boyfriend and is worse now that I married her son. She says mean things with a smile and my husband doesn't even pick up on it. I can't keep my mouth shut anymore..... she proceeds to tell my husband how horrible I am, and that I think I am "mightier than God" because I won't forgive her for the things she's done to me.... first off, if I thought I was mightier than the big guy, I'd forgive EVERYYONE for EVERTHING lol... this woman continues to put me down, and I won't have it anymore. It feels GREAT to stand up to her finally.

breka25
THE CONSEVATIVE

ChrisCov
Mine is most definitely the conservative, to a tee. I think biting my tongue is almost not an option, at the rate we are going I would never be able to eat again!!!!! I see's and blatant ignoring, and witty undertone slams that she knows her son won't notice are her favorite things!!!!

anwallette
Why isn't crazy on there? The one who tries to be your best friend while telling you how to run your life??

ladytrue
My MIL is nowhere on this list...she is part The Conservative but won't be found anywhere near a church, part Generation Gapper but won't be found anywhere near a kitchen.

fish_n_baby
OMG my MIL is totally the conservative one she is always cutting something I'm saying short to say "I see". LMAO hehe

mrsmegs06
What about a clueless one that is always in your personal space? Just kidding.