Mother-In-Law Day is Sunday–Will you Celebrate? — Dave’s Diary

Got plans for the weekend? Do they include your mother-in-law?  Maybe they should because this Sunday, the fourth Sunday each October, is Mother-In-Law Day.

Our friends at Free Dictionary say the day was modeled on the celebration of Mother's Day and Father's Day, Mother-in-Law's Day was first celebrated on March 5, 1934, in Amarillo, Texas.

Mothers-in-law have never enjoyed the widespread respect and devotion that mothers have received over the years, and the rising divorce rate has given the whole concept of in-laws a less permanent place in the national imagination.

This may be part of the reason why Mother-in-Law Day has failed to catch on like Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even Grandparents' Day. But many people feel that mothers-in-law deserve a special day of their own, if for no other reason than for their good humor in enduring the many jokes that have been told about them.

Here are just a few tips from experts on how to deal with your in-laws:

Treat your spouse well.
Nothing pleases parents more than knowing that their son or daughter is being well-loved and pampered.

Present a united front.
Never squabble with your spouse in front of his or her parents. If you think hot issues may come up, discuss how you will deal with them ahead of time. If they erupt, stifle yourselves until you can duke it out in private.

Recognize the fact if you were raised in a different family structure.
Realize that a proper New Englander may have difficulty being comfortable in an outgoing Hispanic family. Remember, his or her mom believes her baby is perfect.

Ask mom-in-law to teach you how to cook a certain meal.
Even if it's stewed possum. And if her cooking is terrible, forget about honesty being the best policy.

Pray for your mother-in-law.
Do this for two weeks until you are feeling better about her. And remember, you're married to her child, not her.

Frequently ask their advice, even if you don't plan to take it.
They'll be glad to feel they still have influence on their child's life -- even if they don't.

Discover what their likes and hobbies are.
Even if it's hunting and you're an animal rights activist, show interest and don't start an argument.