The trope of ‘monster’ mother-in-laws is not new, especially in India, where stories about women being tortured by their husband’s mothers are fairly common. We recently explored a Quora thread, where Indian women opened up about their experiences.
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1. “My mother-in-law is a blessing to me. She is my queen and I love her because of her principles, and for raising her son right. She always treats me as her own daughter, sometimes she fights for me. She is a kind woman in general and is very liberal in her thinking and her expectations from others are very rational and limited. She is a strong woman who loves her independence. She has taught her son to prioritize me over anything else.” – Pankhi Saikia
2. “It’s only been 6 months that I have been married and could only spend a few days with her as I have been living in a different city due to work. She is by far one of the most simple yet powerful, strong willed and ethical people I have ever seen in my life. She has lost her husband (my FIL) due to cancer more than 20 years ago and was left all alone in her late 30s with her 4 teenage boys. She never questions her DILs about their personal lives or choices and has always been extremely supportive when it comes to DILs careers, totally understanding about their crazy work timings and professional commitments even during festivities. I was so touched and surprised when she literally fed me dry fruits while I was heck busy in the kitchen, making sure that I get my daily dose of nutrition even while being occupied.” – Anila Imran
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3. “We had a love marriage but before marriage I met my MIL at Starbucks and we talked for almost 3-4 hours… and that day only i thought its gonna be a beautiful relationship. She is such a pure-hearted person I’ve ever met. She made everything so comfortable for me.My in laws family speak a different language, Telugu that I do not understand at all. She always makes sure she speaks in Hindi for me. She does not have any problem regarding that. She cooks delicious food, because of her I now eat even those things that I never used to touch. Also I learnt many south indian recipes from her. Also she learns some small dishes from me as well. And I love it!” – Devangi Desai
4. “I’ve got an awesome mother-in-law! It’s been almost 1.5 years since I’ve been married and I’ve never felt that she’s my mother-in-law. Sometimes I feel she’s even better than my own mother! 😛 Jokes apart, she’s the most adoring woman I’ve met. I don’t live with my in-laws so whenever we go visit them, she starts preparations a week or two in advance. She’ll ask me what I want to eat, and what I would like to take back home like some delicacies, pickles etc. She’ll make sure I get to eat what I like even if she has to make it just for me. She loves my (slightly :P) domineering nature as I boss around my husband and she totally supports me saying that I will get things done from him!” – Neha Naladkar
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5. “I had an amazing mom in law. She looked strict, reserved and introverted, but that was such a deceptive look. She had a heart of gold and head full of just behaviour. I remember the first day at my new home after marriage. She did not allow me in the kitchen for about 20 days, gave me even a glass of water in my hands and behaved as nicely as she did with my sister in law. I was feeling blessed and smiled ear to ear when she didn’t allow anyone to question me or gossip about me.” – Priya Kundalia
Lead Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures and Dharma Productions
