In order to keep myself from erupting like a dormant volcano, I try to keep in mind that my mother-in-law is someone very special to my husband. That she is someone I should not disrespect, no matter how insensitive she can get. I keep in mind that she has our best interests in her heart despite the fact that her words are double-edged.

At the surface, everything seems to be alright. But, if one cares to dig a little deeper, it is so obvious that there is something wrong with my relationship with my mother-in-law.

If only...

My mother-in-law can let me be the mother in MY family.

My mother-in-law can stop putting me in fait-accompli situations wherein I am left with no other choice but to say yes, no matter how inconvenient it may be. She does it with a smile which, apparently, should make it all okay.

My husband would stop telling his parents everything. Yes, I have told him to keep some things to ourselves but he does not seem to get which ones he can say and which he can't. You know why this is bad? Because I have been finding myself keeping secrets from him. And that is not good.

My mother-in-law would soon become sensitive enough to know when to back off.

My husband realizes that his mother's smiles does not mean much if the words behind the smiles are loaded and hurtful.

One cannot say that I have not tried. Heck, I still am trying. And hoping that this dormant volcano will not erupt soon.

What about YOU? How is your relationship with your in-laws? What is your secret?