this along with a generational gap and different mindsets create tension. Can you share instances of daughters-in-law suffering because of problems with the mother-in-law? Its not just physical abuse that is the cause of suffering, the abuse is verbal and emotional too, comments about the spouse's family of origin, past or physical appearance; whether subtle remarks or constant nagging, both can be psychologically damaging. Often husbands take the side of the mother-in-law instead of the wife. Or they tell their wives that she has to deal with the mother-in-law problems and that he doesn't want to interfere. What can husbands do to handle the situation fairly? Most husbands do not want to disappoint/ anger their mothers so they don't want to play mediator, or interpret problems, most prefer it gets sorted at their levels. How do fathers-in-law deal with these rifts between the wife and daughter-in-law? Whose side do they take? Do they try to fairly mitigate the matter? I have heard that very often fathers-in-law will also sit on the fence during these battles between his wife and daughter-in-law. Why? The reasons may vary, but mostly like their sons, fathers-in-law prefer may not like to interfere with the women. Only in extreme cases will he step in often when things get too bad, to give the final words as head of the family. On many occasions I've actually seen that fathers-in-law take the side of the daughter-in-law. Why do some mothers-in-laws have double standards in having one set of