How to Be a Considerate and Understanding Daughter-in-Law
Everyone knows the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship can be one of the hardest to manage. Once you’re in a committed relationship, you inevitably have to navigate it. How the two of you get along directly affects the marriage: friction or misunderstandings can trigger arguments between spouses and even plant the seeds of divorce. Still, building harmony here isn’t easy—after all, as the saying goes, “It’s tough being a daughter-in-law.”
You can choose your colleagues, friends, and bosses, but you can’t choose your mother-in-law. So if you want to “love me, love my family,” a bit of tact goes a long way. Know yourself and know her, and you’ll be better prepared in every situation. How do you do that? Start by getting a feel for your mother-in-law’s personality through face reading: understand her temperament and handle things gently to deepen your bond. Who knows—she might become more receptive to your views.
Face Shape Analysis
1. Long Face
Mothers-in-law with long faces tend to be stubborn, particular, and easily irritated. She may not excel at household chores but expects you to go along with her wishes; otherwise, you could hear complaints all day. Learn her temperament, habits, and preferences, and adjust accordingly. Once you understand her intent and align with her expectations, it becomes much easier to build a harmonious relationship.
2. Round Face
Mothers-in-law with round faces are often outgoing, generous, and laid-back, with a taste for comfort and leisure. While they may not sweat the details, they usually have strong social connections. They can also be emotional and act on their feelings. This type is easier to please—pamper her like a cherished cat. Watch her mood, indulge her preferences, and occasionally invite her for tea or make her a nice soup. Let her sit out the chores, share good things with her, and she’ll see you in a new light and dote on you.
3. Square Face
Mothers-in-law with square faces are principled and practical. If yours fits this type, present yourself as grounded and serious around her. Don’t be careless with household tasks; be practical and consistent, and she’ll appreciate it. There’s no need for over-the-top flattery. Even when joking with your husband in her presence, maintain some decorum; otherwise, she may see you as frivolous and disrespectful. She won’t fault her son but will blame you for not being a good wife, and may even criticize you in front of the children.
Other Facial Features
Beyond face shape, other features can reflect her traits and mindset. These clues can help you understand her better, giving you an advantage as you learn to “know yourself and know her.”
1. Prominent Veins on the Face
If you notice veins on her cheekbones or around her mouth, it suggests a strong temper, a quick fuse, and impatience. In this case, be tactful and proactive. Read her emotions and anticipate her needs; if you can stay a step ahead, she’ll admire your capability and insight—and feel proud that her son married someone so perceptive.
2. Protruding Eyes and Lips That Don’t Cover the Teeth
A mother-in-law with these features is very talkative and likes to share her feelings. You have two ways to handle this: the proactive approach is to become a good communicator and listener—comfort her when needed, and your relationship can turn into a deep friendship. The passive approach is to let her talk without interruption, whether or not you agree with her points.
3. Large Mouth and High Nose with Prominent Cheekbones
A mother-in-law with a large mouth tends to dominate conversations and expects her daughter-in-law to be obedient and compliant, almost like a child. She may not demand blind agreement, but she will want to showcase your obedience and filial piety in front of relatives and friends. If your mother-in-law has these features, be especially tactful in your interactions.
4. Upturned Face with High Eyebrows
There’s a saying: “An upturned face invites gossip.” This can be even truer for an upturned mother-in-law, who may be particularly hard to handle. If your mother-in-law has this feature, she may be arrogant and snobbish, often critical and condescending. With this type, don’t show weakness; otherwise, she may look down on you long-term. Avoid discussing too many family matters, as everything can become fodder for criticism.
5. Drooping Nose and Retracted Neck
This type of mother-in-law is very stingy and calculating, happy to spend your money but reluctant to spend on you. Even if she parts with a penny, she’ll boast about it endlessly so everyone knows how “generous” she was to her daughter-in-law. So if you plan to borrow money from her without paying it back, it’s like asking a tiger for its skin. On the flip side, she’s easily won over by monetary gestures, so be sure to show filial piety on holidays and be considerate year-round.