Bea Lewis

Of all the topics I talk, read, research or write about - getting along with a daughter-in-law is by far the most difficult - and most common. 

There are many reasons why there are many problems between the two women. One of course is that two women loving the same man is never easy. But a friend who gets along with her three daughters-in-law  gave me her secret - always remember that the BED IS THICKER THAN BLOOD!!!  Whenever this friend  feels antagonism toward one of the younger women - or feels she doesn't get the attention she wants and needs - she remembers that slogan.

Other friends - those who are the mothers of the sons- offer other tips to think better of the beauty. 

1. Daughters don't want our advice; they want our blessings.The same goes for our daughters -in-law. 

2.Never, ever complain to your son about his wife- if you haven't learned already - the first person he will tell what you said is YOU KNOW WHO! 

3. If you're having some issues with your daughter-in-law, tell her that everything she does is wonderful, and if it isn't, keep it to yourself. (You might want to invest in a mouth guard to keep your teeth from being tightly clenched .) 

4. No matter how joyful moms feel when their sons marry, there is often a feeling that his affection and attention to his wife is a sign of disloyalty  to her. Admit it or not, when jealousy rears its ugly head, it's painful. What to do? Acknowledge those feelings of loss and separation. Allow yourself to feel sad, then turn over the glass and focus on good things - like the pride you have as a parent who brought your son to this adult place in his life - and to think of the future when SHE  will give you a grandchild! .