Some mothers-in-law form deep, supportive connections with their daughters-in-law, while others keep some emotional distance, and a few have a knack for causing frustration. This article features a collection of stories about these relationships, ranging from heartwarming to challenging.

1. When I started dating my now-husband, I wanted to impress his mother, so I lied about knowing how to knit and gave her store-bought knitted items. I got caught when I forgot to remove a price tag. Instead of being upset, she smiled, showed me the tag, and said, “I also got caught by my mother-in-law once when she realized I wasn’t making dumplings but buying them.” © Mamdarinka / VK

2. One morning, I woke up to find my husband and our 7-month-old son gone, with a note saying they went for a walk. When they didn’t return and calls went unanswered, I noticed all the baby items were missing. I contacted my mother-in-law, who told me I was a bad wife and mother, and that my husband and son would now live with her. In shock, I called the police, got my son back, and divorced my husband, banning him from seeing me or our child. © Mamdarinka / VK

3. Before my birthday, my mother-in-law asked what I’d like as a gift, and I requested perfume. On my birthday, she gave me a waffle maker. Though surprised, I thanked her and put it aside. A few days later, I opened the box and found money along with a note that read, “Sorry, my husband made me buy this waffle maker. The money is for perfume and lipstick. Love and kisses.” She’s the coolest mother-in-law! © ist0rii / Pikabu

4. While I was pregnant, my mother-in-law brought us an old, large pyramid toy. I thought it was lovely and asked if she found it at home. Her response stunned me, “I found it near the trash while walking the dog at night. It’s clean, only missing one ring.” I wanted to scream, but it turned out she was joking. I still can’t get over it. © Mamdarinka / VK

5. While helping us move into our new home, my boyfriend’s mom separated his things from mine, putting them in separate bedrooms. Genuinely confused, she asked why we only had one bed and if we’d ordered another one for him. No one had the heart to tell her. © Unknown author / Reddit

5. After dating for a year, my boyfriend decided to introduce me to his parents. I was nervous because his mom’s opinion was important to him. When she saw me, she bluntly said, “I don’t like you.” I calmly replied, “Let’s get to know each other, maybe you’ll change your mind.” She laughed and said, “You’re brave. Let’s see.” My calm response led to us getting along, and now we’re best friends! My husband jokes that I won her over with my sincerity and determination. © Mamdarinka / VK

6. After coming home with our newborn, my first craving was fast food. We put the baby in the stroller and walked to a café, where I savored a burger and fries. However, my mother-in-law called to check on us and started yelling at my husband, saying I was crazy and should be eating porridge. Does anyone still think new moms need to follow such strict diets? © Mamdarinka / VK

7. My husband and I left our cat with my mother-in-law while we were away for a week. When we returned, nothing seemed unusual until the cat started behaving strangely and soon gave birth! It turned out that my mother-in-law had brought a neighbor’s tomcat over and never mentioned it because she “forgot.” When asked if she wanted a kitten, she replied, “No, I’d rather not.” © Caramel / VK

8. Preparing for my mother-in-law’s visit was always a challenge, so I cleaned the house thoroughly and ordered food from professional chefs to make it seem homemade. I even dressed in her style—modest but elegant. I thought I had everything under control, but she criticized the saucer I used for her teacup, saying it didn’t match. I’m done trying to please anyone. © Ward 6 / VK

9. During my pregnancy, my mother-in-law took issue with me calling the baby “my baby,” claiming I was being selfish and planning to exclude everyone from bonding with the baby. One day, after hearing this again, I asked how she introduced my husband to others. She replied, “I say he’s my son.” I cut her off, mirroring her tone, saying, “So he’s not his father’s son, just yours?” After a minute of trying to defend herself, she admitted she understood my point. © AmbieeBloo / Reddit

10. Recently, my mother-in-law visited while I was sick. She never meddled in our relationship, so I wasn’t worried. However, when she arrived, she scolded her son for not cleaning while I was ill. Though I was upset about being sick during her visit, she took care of me and spent time with our kids. Once I recovered, we explored the city together as I had originally planned. She even extended her stay to spend more time with us. © Mamdarinka / VK