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About the Book |
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From the Prologue This book began one summer afternoon several years ago when two old friends were catching up with one another’s lives after an interval of several months. Among other topics, the subject of “mother-in-lawing” came up. While both of us have considerable academic and experiential knowledge of the human condition, we discovered that this role of mother-in-law was puzzling and, at times, painful. We knew families with strong in-law bonds, families who were in a perpetual arms race in their relationships, and, of course, everything in between. Like it or not, being a mother-in-law is not voluntary. Live long enough and you will probably be an in-law and may find yourself unprepared for being cast in this role. Happy and pleased as we may be with having a new son- or daughter-in-law, altered behaviors are expected on both sides. *** When we began surveying women to gather information for this book, we quickly realized we had hit a raw nerve. Almost without exception, the mere mention of a mother-in-law study brought forth instant reactions of interest and “Wait until you hear my story.” We even got more than a few “You go, girls!” There was no shortage of volunteers for interviews. It appeared that most women welcomed the opportunity to tell their stories and the connection was instantaneous. Some women needed to talk for hours: it was like a cork popping out of a bottle. Our goal is to fill the gap in mother-in-law relationship knowledge, to support mothers-in-law, and to help us all understand what contributes to familial success and happiness. We are hopeful that this book will provide support and encouragement as well as recognition and reassurance that you are standing on solid ground with most of your mother-in-law peers. We are hopeful, too, that after reading this book you will feel more secure and enlightened, which can lead to better, stronger, wiser, freer, more lighthearted experiences with your adult children, their spouses or partners, and your grandchildren.
Available at fine bookstores everywhere | |||
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