9 Creative and Stress-Free Ways to Bond With Your Mother-in-Law

Young woman hugging older woman, both are smiling — Nikola Ilic / Getty Images

When you’re in a relationship, spending time with loved ones can become complicated—there are now two families to contend with, each with its own quirks, difficulties, traditions, and dynamics. Perhaps one of the trickiest relationships to navigate, though, is the one between you and your mother-in-law.

There’s no “right” way to have a relationship with your mother-in-law. You might hit it off right from the beginning, or you may find that you never really have a breakthrough and become friends. That’s okay. You don’t have to become attached at the hip, but there’s always room to bond with your mother-in-law and make your relationship stronger. Having a good rapport (even if it’s not a close one) will make life easier for you, your mother-in-law, your partner, and everyone else in the family. Luckily, there are lots of ways to bond with her; some are about fostering emotional intimacy and others about spending quality time together.

If you’re struggling to get close to your mother-in-law, here are nine ideas to get you started.

01 of 09

Cook Together

Older and younger woman cooking together — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

If the heart of the home is the kitchen, that’s a great place to start bonding. Offering to help is always a good way to create warmth. Next time you’re over, see if you can help her prepare a meal. If not, keep an eye out for other ways you could lend a hand—maybe she needs help gardening or watching after some younger family members. Just look for a way you can assist.

Have your mother-in-law teach you how to make a recipe that's been around for generations or that she cooked while your partner was growing up. It will make for an intimate bonding experience, and you'll inherit a valuable family tradition.

02 of 09

Ask Her Questions About Her Life

Older and younger woman talking at a dinner party — Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images

This may seem simple, but it’s so important. Often, we only see our partner’s family as extensions of our partner, and we ignore the fact that they have their own lives, histories, and passions. So, try asking your mother-in-law more about herself. Whether she runs her own business, grew up somewhere interesting, or has a lot of hobbies, try to gently question her (you don’t want to look like you're prying) and see if you can get your mother-in-law to open up about herself.

03 of 09

Go to a Movie or Play Together

Woman laughing and eating popcorn at the movie theater — Odilon Dimier / Getty Images

If you really have trouble making small talk with your mother-in-law, plays or movies can be a lifesaver. It’s a way of spending time in the same space and experiencing something together while keeping conversations to a minimum—you spend most of the time sitting in silence watching something, after all. Afterward, you'll have an easy topic of discussion: the show's plot!

04 of 09

Ask Her for Advice

Young woman and older woman drinking coffee and talking on the porch — Getty Images

Another great way to build a connection is to make yourself vulnerable. You don't have to open up about all of your biggest fears but just asking for advice can help initiate a bond between two people. It doesn’t have to be about something big and life-changing (although it can be), but reaching out and asking for her help might help soften things up, and it also shows that you respect her opinion. Whether it’s asking for a recipe or advice for problems at the office, it’s a good place to start.

05 of 09

Host a Family Board Game Night

Three people playing a board game — Mladen Zivkovic / Getty Images

As long as your partner's family isn’t too cutthroat, a board game night can be a great way to bond and have fun. First, if you and your mother-in-law feel really distant, it can help to do a group activity before you get one-on-one time. Second, very few things in life are as revealing as watching someone play Monopoly. You’ll make some memories, but you'll also really get to know each other.

06 of 09

Plan a Spa Day

Younger woman and older woman at a spa with face masks drinking red wine — Getty Images

If your mother-in-law likes a bit of pampering, a spa day is another opportunity for bonding that doesn’t have to involve a lot of emotional sharing. Book some manicures or massages (or both) for Mother’s Day or a birthday. Everyone feels better when they’re more relaxed, so you may find the conversation flows easier than you think.

07 of 09

Talk About Your Partner’s Childhood

Older woman and young woman looking at a photo album — Getty Images

There can often be a weird, underlying sense of competition between you and your partner’s mother. They raised them and knew them way back when, but chances are that you’re the most important person in your partner’s life now. Give a nod to the fact that your mother-in-law has been there since the beginning by asking about your partner’s childhood, looking at old photos, and maybe even swapping embarrassing stories about your partner. It’s a good way to show that you understand how important their relationship and history are, which can go a long way.

08 of 09

Participate in One of Her Hobbies

Young woman and older woman gardening together — Jaka Azman / Getty Images

Pottery, yoga, gardening, rock climbing: It doesn’t matter what it is, showing an interest in your mother-in-law’s hobbies can be a really good peace offering. If they’re a private person or you sense that they prefer a solo endeavor, it may be best to steer clear—but if they’re up for a partner, try volunteering to join.

09 of 09

Go for a Walk

Younger woman and older woman on a walk outside — Getty Images

A good walk and some fresh air have a way of getting the conversation flowing—maybe it’s because many of us do our best thinking when we’re moving, or maybe it’s just the outdoors that give us a gentle boost of endorphins. Heading out for an informal walk doesn't have the pressure of, “We’re doing this because we need to bond.” Instead, just take the opportunity when the time (and weather) is right and ask some general questions to get the bonding started.

Everyone has a different relationship with their mother-in-law, and it might be that you’re never going to be super close. But taking opportunities to bond when you're able to will make you feel like you're on the same team. When in doubt, start small and build your way up—it’s better to let it happen naturally than to force it. Simply spending time together in the same space can be a great start.

How to Live and Thrive With In-Laws