Semi-irrelevant social observation: in my experience the traditional stereotype of the husband complaining about his mother-in-law is less common than the wife complaining about hers.
Inevitably, I think of this song, which exemplifies the first stereotype:
I loved both of my mother-in-laws. My first mother-in-law was an exceptionally kind and thoughtful woman. She was still welcoming and loving after her daughter and I divorced. That wife and my mom did not get along at all.
I should have mentioned that I loved my mother-in-law, too (d 2002, RIP). And someone told me once that in Japan murder of mother-in-law by daughter-in-law was...not common, but more so than by son-in-law. That may very well be completely bogus. Anyway, I don't want to attach much importance to it, and my view is certainly influenced by a female co-worker denouncing her mother-in-law as "a witch," heartily affirmed by another woman of her own mother-in-law. That was at least 20 years ago and both are probably mothers-in-law now, and I hope they're doing well.
Very kind indeed to the mother-in-law, maybe too kind, or parody? I would dread to be what Sally called (love this) "regrettable" as a mother-in-law, but there is already so much pressure, we even have a plant called"Mother-in-Law's Tongue." But I am not sure about this fellow for my daughter (to turn the tables) -he sounds a little too much like Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice.
This reminds me of a conversation in the women's room at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. My mother and I (in my early twenties) were washing our hands. A woman looked back and forth at us in the mirror and pronounced, "In France we tell our sons, before you marry your girl, consider the mother." She dried her hands and walked away. (laughter ensued).
If true, your observation gives little comfort alas to mothers of sons. The song is great, thanks for posting!!
Semi-irrelevant social observation: in my experience the traditional stereotype of the husband complaining about his mother-in-law is less common than the wife complaining about hers.
Inevitably, I think of this song, which exemplifies the first stereotype:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EN5eJf5h_k
I loved both of my mother-in-laws. My first mother-in-law was an exceptionally kind and thoughtful woman. She was still welcoming and loving after her daughter and I divorced. That wife and my mom did not get along at all.
I should have mentioned that I loved my mother-in-law, too (d 2002, RIP). And someone told me once that in Japan murder of mother-in-law by daughter-in-law was...not common, but more so than by son-in-law. That may very well be completely bogus. Anyway, I don't want to attach much importance to it, and my view is certainly influenced by a female co-worker denouncing her mother-in-law as "a witch," heartily affirmed by another woman of her own mother-in-law. That was at least 20 years ago and both are probably mothers-in-law now, and I hope they're doing well.
Very kind indeed to the mother-in-law, maybe too kind, or parody? I would dread to be what Sally called (love this) "regrettable" as a mother-in-law, but there is already so much pressure, we even have a plant called"Mother-in-Law's Tongue." But I am not sure about this fellow for my daughter (to turn the tables) -he sounds a little too much like Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice.
Have not read a kinder verse towards mothers-in-laws. Nor do I think, it is likely that I will.
What a delightful poem! It made me think of my own mother-in-law who was so very special to me.
It also made me think of my new role as mother-in-law as both of my children get married this year. Such fun! :-)
A small correction. She was widowed in 1858. She married in 1851.
Ah, thank you! I'll amend that.
This reminds me of a conversation in the women's room at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. My mother and I (in my early twenties) were washing our hands. A woman looked back and forth at us in the mirror and pronounced, "In France we tell our sons, before you marry your girl, consider the mother." She dried her hands and walked away. (laughter ensued).
It's good advice for all. I certainly struck gold with my own mother-in-law. As a mother-in-law myself, I try not to be regrettable!