The Nest

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:54 PM

Q: Do I have to say "I love you" at the end of a phone conversation with my MIL?

A: If you don’t feel it, don’t say it, especially if she doesn’t say it first. But if she ends the call or an email with this token of affection, it’s not the end of world to return it.

Think of it this way: It’s not the worst thing if your MIL is trying to become closer to you. We definitely feel the cringe-factor at the idea of fake affection, but we can muster out the words as long as they aren’t accompanied by just-as-fake-and-happy shopping jaunts and mother/daughter excursions.

If being buddy-buddy with MIL doesn’t interest you, feel free to draw the line somewhere. We just don’t think it should be at the end of a phone call when she bears her soul with possibly the three hardest words to say to someone – just say them back. And then you can cancel the outing to the outlets!