I first met my husband's dad on our second date... at the shooting range. I must have been teachable and hit my target, literally and figuratively, aiming to be myself. A week later, I had dinner at their house. Mom came running down the outside steps and gave me a big hug to welcome me.

Early in our relationship, his parents thought he would stop doing all those dangerous sports now that he knows me. My honest response was, "Why would I want to change him? I love him like he is." Mom has retold this story to many family friends and anyone else who would listen.

In my opinion, it is easy to build a relationship with your mother-in-law: just love her son and treat him with respect.

We've been married 26 years now. I have learned to camp, hike, backpack, canoe, and cross country ski. I still pass on the dual sport bikes, but don't prevent him from going and doing.

Sally