The relationship between a young wife and her husband’s mother is a serious matter: after all, the mother-in-law is the most important figure among new relatives. These tips will help you build a bridge to her heart, and thus to family peace. So, if your mother-in-law is…
If your mother-in-law is Aries, she is a true commander. Be prepared for the fact that your first meetings with your “second mom” will resemble a briefing on servicing her charming son, and all good wishes will come in the form of orders — “Shirts must never be starched! No vacuuming, rooms must be cleaned only with a damp cloth!” The best strategy here is humility. Agree with the “general in a skirt,” even if her tone irritates you and her demands seem impossible. Under no circumstances should you openly object or argue sharply. You will win your mother-in-law’s favor when, during one of your visits, you demonstrate how strictly you follow her instructions or constantly move around the house helping her — Arians love workaholics, which they themselves are. If you show the proper degree of tirelessness, she will lay down her arms fairly quickly.
Taurus. Basic life values are paramount for her, so be sure to demonstrate how nutritiously you feed her child and how eager you are to give her strong offspring. Do not reject her care for you (this is something Taurus mother-in-laws never forgive) — during meetings, eat heartily everything placed on your plate and drink everything poured into your cup. Accept the offered dress from 1973, even if you wouldn’t wear it under threat of execution. When your mother-in-law gets a new idea (for example, to renovate the apartment), she will proceed slowly and correctly, recognizing no obstacles. Arguing here is pointless — it’s better to step aside, as you are essentially lucky: no matter what, in your relationship she will always advise her son to preserve the family.
Gemini. At first glance, she will seem like a “girlfriend” type, and initial communication won’t cause much trouble. She might even suggest you call her by her first name (“Olga,” “Maria”), but don’t rush to agree — this is just a test. Never lie to her or try to deceive her — Gemini knows people’s true worth. Listen attentively to everything she tells you, and don’t forget to share your own stories — secrecy and reserve are the worst flaws in her eyes. But don’t rush to reveal everything either — your secrets will quickly become public knowledge. Stick to neutral topics like nature, books, or films. One more note — your “new mom” might rival Elizabeth Taylor in the number of marriages or admirers, and she isn’t particularly burdened by faith in the institution of marriage. Therefore, to prevent your mother-in-law from advising her son to run far away from his wife at the first family quarrel, it’s wise to secure her friendship. Call her often, with or without reason, especially to share the latest gossip.
If your mother-in-law is Cancer by horoscope, you’re in luck. Even if the person her son has chosen doesn’t inspire admiration, she is unable to oppose his decision — “the child wants to get married.” He will forever remain a little boy to her, so never complain about his lack of independence or low income. At first glance, the Cancer mother-in-law may seem reserved and distant, but she’s ready to extend her love for her child to you — if you’re kind to her and ask permission to call her “mom” (she will agree with great joy). Learn the family traditions and her personal preferences (they hardly change over the years) and occasionally offer small, heartfelt gestures of attention. But even if you’re sparing with them, be assured — she will treat your children as her own.
Leo. She will immediately make it clear that you are unworthy of her son by birth, and your blood isn’t blue enough (unless you’re of royal lineage). Be ready for questions about whether you know famous people A. and B. Neutralize her snobbish remarks easily — in turn, ask if she knows C. and D. (choose surnames at random, even if they’re your staircase neighbors; don’t hesitate — she won’t know them anyway). However, you must treat the Leo mother-in-law with open respect, even reverence. “Mom” and “you” (informal) would be a terrible mistake; only “Olga Pavlivna” and “you” (formal) are appropriate. The best relationship strategy is not to interrupt or argue, and the only proper conversation topic is her person (for example, how wonderfully she raised her son, how excellently she makes dumplings, etc.). If you provide her with enough compliments, she will focus on herself and refrain from interfering in the young family’s life.
Virgo. By getting married, you gain not one but two mother-in-laws — or rather, one in two personas. The “first” will unconditionally help with household chores, teach you knitting (if you wish), take the children for walks, etc. Meanwhile, the “second” won’t sleep either, interrupting these good deeds with critical remarks, lectures, and valuable advice. She will rescue you in any difficult situation, but then, most likely, “nag” you to death or spend your entire life giving unsolicited advice. However, don’t take it personally — it all comes from good intentions. The only things she won’t forgive you for are untidy appearance and wastefulness.
If your mother-in-law is Libra. She is in eternal search of love, and you’re lucky if she currently has a life partner. Otherwise, the Libra mother-in-law will inevitably redirect her vast reserve of unspent emotions toward her son and openly compete for his attention — expecting compliments, gifts, and other expressions of filial duty, while casually undermining the image of her rival (i.e., you). Her remarks (outwardly completely well-meaning) can infuriate anyone: “You have such a lovely hairstyle, and even that doesn’t spoil you,” “Masha looks wonderful today — no sign of those usual dark circles under her eyes…” — real-life examples. The only way to neutralize such remarks is to help her find her own family happiness. For instance, introduce her not to your friends, but to their unmarried fathers and uncles.
Scorpio. Justifying the “high trust” she’s shown you will be very difficult… She can express her patience with the daughter-in-law by pointing out that you don’t know how to paint your lips, or endlessly irritate you with stories about her son’s previous girlfriends — listing their advantages and “failing to notice” certain things about someone. This behavior isn’t mere tactlessness: a tense, “wound-up” person is easier to control. With this same “noble” goal, the “Scorpio woman” always tries to get inside your soul, uncovering your secrets. In this case, deceptive maneuvers are necessary. For example, play along by sharing dramatic emotions over some trivial incident — say, meeting an old friend. It doesn’t matter if you don’t actually feel them — simply create the impression of being a complex, deep, and contradictory nature (i.e., similar to the “Scorpio woman”). A bit of acting, and she’ll classify you as “one of her own,” and the job is done — for a while, control will weaken! But not for long — so try to keep your distance.
Sagittarius. She is intelligent, optimistic, yet overly active and restless. This “Sagittarian woman” has always dreamed that her “boy” would get an intellectual wife with a good education and healthy career ambitions. So if you don’t have a university degree, a doctorate, or at least fluent English, try to create for her the image of a businesswoman (but constantly demonstrate the process of self-education and professional growth). She doesn’t expect outward brilliance from you—in fact, such a mother-in-law would prefer a daughter-in-law who is less flashy than herself. Moreover, she will immediately initiate a silent competition with you in everything—from a new dress to kitchen renovation. Don’t try to “outdo” her; instead, admit openly: “Your pies are much more tender than mine.” The fortress will surrender without a fight. And finally, remember that with a Sagittarian mother-in-law, you should avoid discussions about religion, sex, and ideology. And if you can’t avoid such conversations, whatever you do, don’t express sharp or definitive opinions on these topics.
If your mother-in-law is a Capricorn. She is unlikely to rush into your arms at first meeting, but neither will there ever be family scandals with mutual accusations. Capricorn women respect outward propriety and traditions, so all you need to do in her presence is avoid smoking, excessive champagne, and extreme hairstyles. It’s best to arrive on time for lunch at her place, and it’s equally important to remember all family dates and send greetings accordingly. If you meet the formal requirements of decency and demonstrate that you wish to preserve your union with her son for the long term, the goodwill of a Capricorn mother-in-law is guaranteed (along with a nice country house and help getting a job through her connections).
Aquarius. She is democratic and unlikely to give her son unsolicited advice, accepting his choice—i.e., you—without comment. Admittedly, this is wonderful, but from her democracy a certain chill will quickly begin to emanate. An Aquarian mother-in-law is unlikely to pickle cabbage for the young couple, offer financial help, or desire to devote herself entirely to her grandchildren. She is far more absorbed by her work, spiritual self-improvement, and gatherings with old friends. The only way to win her heart is to “fit in” with her interests—but even that offers no guarantees.
Pisces. She sincerely believes that by giving up her son, she gains in you a sister of psychological compassion. In response to a polite “How are you?”, the Piscean mother-in-law will inevitably paint vivid details of a quarrel with some unknown-to-you Kalerya Pavlivna or embark on a long journey through all her ailments. Before asking about her health, stock up on time and patience. Some ethical aspects of her behavior may unpleasantly surprise you—for instance, when helping around the house, she will (without batting an eye) conduct an inspection of your closets or boldly use your cosmetics. At the same time, this “watery” mother-in-law may sincerely and passionately love you today, and quietly dislike you tomorrow—her feelings depend literally on the weather outside. If for some reason her dutiful son fails to call her within two days, call her immediately yourself; otherwise, you’ll earn the “death sentence”: “He only cares about you—you don’t let him talk to me.” Once the Pisces mother-in-law convinces herself of this, periods of adoring the daughter-in-law will vanish. Don’t let this happen—give her more attention, even if endlessly listening to her grievances becomes tedious.
