Ryan, you're right: MIL stereotypes are easy fodder for sit-com writers and comedians, just like step-mothers were easy to peg as female villains in fairy tales. What's funny is that it's all fiction—everyone wants to write about it, but not so much if they can't pretend to be writing about "someone else's" MIL. Could you really have as much fun as you wanted with a Everybody Loves Raymond-style MIL? :)

TJ, thanks so much for reading and commenting. You bring up a very good point about how stereotypes and what we might be anticipating end up feeding and even altering our realities. I think a therapist would say something like "you're projecting" on that person or situation, and even if it seems insignificant, it can really snowball into bigger problems.

Jodith, if you've ever written about your MIL I'd love to read it! She sounds amazing. I'd also love to hear what you think about my next post, which describes my MIL's life. Isn't it interesting how some people can go through struggles and come out more whole, while others seem forever hardened and broken by their hard life? Thanks for sharing a bit of your story.

Jenn, I have yet to hear of a postpartum "crazy hormonal rampage" that didn't end up helping more than it hurt. :) How healthy that you were able to clear the air, even if you wish you could have done it a bit differently. Thanks for your honesty and for making me laugh!

jenx67, I SO know about "uncomfortable truths" and the need to "relieve some of the agony," even if my uncomfortable truths don't have anything to do with my parents or in-laws. You're right—calling something out of the closet can cause new problems, but they're probably healthier problems in the end, with more potential for healing. I'm glad you're enjoying my blog so far.

Shell, thanks for subscribing, and for mentioning my interview on Chuck's site. Answering those very basic questions ended up being a really interesting process for me, as I continue thinking through and trying to articulate what exactly I'm doing here on my blog. :)

AnnieH, it's good to "meet" you! I'll look forward to hearing more of your thoughts later on. 

Trina, I really liked how you said you want to be like your mother-in-law some day—but in your own way. It sounds like you're figuring out how to take what's inspiring about someone you love, and then make it your own. 

Alli, that sounds really really hard, especially when I think how much you miss your own mom and could use a solid, loving relationship with your MIL. As I mentioned in my response to Jodith, isn't it interesting how a painful life (like you said your MIL has had) can in some cases just breed more pain, while in others, like the case of my MIL, be turned to fierce love and compassion? Anyway, sending a hug...