A letter to my new mother
The relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is really a fragile one. I know your son is the cynosure of your eyes and you wish nothing but the best for him. Now that his wellbeing is also my responsibility, I know you want me to don the role of a wife and daughter-in-law to perfection. Trust me, I am trying my best to live up to your expectations and adapt to this new life. Just like it takes two to tango, I can’t become a member of your family and have a happy married life unless we both don’t share a good rapport. Your son is now a husband too, and here are a few things that would help to strengthen our family bond.
Treat him like an adult
Like any mother, I know you are concerned about whether he has his meals on time or not. How healthy is his diet, and is he happy in his married life? When he returns home past midnight after completing his evening shift, you wait for him tirelessly and sleep only after he had his dinner. In fact, you are constantly worrying about every little thing related to him. I want you to treat him like an adult after all he is 29 years old! He is responsible enough to take care of himself. Relax and enjoy life a little.
The relationship we share
We have little fights and arguments with only those we have a close relationship with. Whenever we have one (I sincerely wish we don’t), let’s try to keep it between us and sort it out mutually. We will only complicate matters if we bring any unnecessary issues to his notice, right? He values both equally and does not want to strain his relationship with any one of us.
When he praises me
I often notice you turn a shade paler whenever my husband praises me for anything—be it my cooking skills or the way I balance household responsibilities and office work. All I wanted to tell you is that his comments do not mean he has forgotten all these years of your hard work and dedication. You still hold the utmost position in his heart and his gratitude for you is as unconditional as your love for him.
Give things benefit of doubt
There are days when you do not appreciate my gestures or the way I react to situations. I get up early in the morning to help you with household chores but sometimes, fail to impress you because I have my own ways of doing things. Instead of fretting about how I am treating your son or how will our married life turn out, give things a benefit of doubt. Express your concern and guide me where you feel I can improve. I would be happy to become a better version of myself.
Let him understand his responsibilities
The times are changing and today, both the partners contribute equally in running the household. Like your son, I also have a nine-to-five job and cannot manage everything all by myself. So, please don’t raise your eyebrows if you see him setting the table or doing the dishes. We will have a happy married life only when both of us understand our responsibilities, and support each other every single day.
Nobody can replace you and your love!
A mother’s love for her child is the purest of all. It is unconditional and irreplaceable. No matter how many new relations he makes in his life, none of them can replace the one he has with you. He is a husband, a great one, just because he has been brought up by you!
(All images used here are representational)