Hi Ladies,

I found a nice way to do my obligatory "keeping in touch" (so my MIL will have nothing to say against me in this area).  I made a call to the in-laws (using my private number, so if needbe, I could hang up).  When my FIL answered (he's the one I can actually stand!), I began to chat with him in such a way that I did not leave much of an opportunity for him to pass the phone to his wife.  It was my stroke of good luck that she was not even there, but I was prepared to say "Oh, I have a call on the other line! I just wanted to tell you...").  The story I prattled off was about how my son is teething.  I quickly prattled away to my FIL about the teething, and then when it seemed like a good place to go, we both said our goodbyes. Naturally, I told him to send my best to his wife when she got home from work.  This served several purposes!

1.  I was able to update the inlaws about their grandson, so they couldn't say I never gave them info about him
2. I was able to speak to the in-law I actually like, and NOT to the one that I do *NOT* like!
3.  It was short, sweet, and painless

I thought I would pass it along as an idea for those of you who can't stand one in-law but don't mind the other one.  Just try for a time you think you are likely to avoid talking to the one you don't like!  Everybody wins, and you end up being the "good guy" for being in touch.

well done honey, i would love to have that chance. i tried emailin and sms (im a teacher and rarely home to call) and supposebly they were offended by the way i communicate.
so now i dont communicate- i think when i have kids i will send them letters and pics- not even bother calling.

I dont communicate much either...but every so often I find a way to throw it out there, just to shut up those folk who would try to accuse me of doing exactly what they are doing, which is not being in touch. At least I can say I make occassional attempts.  That keeps hubby happy to think I'm doing my part, and makes me happy by not actually being very much in touch ;)

Hubby the fam and myself are moving across country in the spring. I am thrilled about the distance but that brings a boat load of other issues. Like her talking behind my back and me being unable to defend myself and the communication situation.

bah, let her talk! I'm sure my MIL says heaps of things about me...and I could care less!  I don't plan to have anything to do with anyone who would listen and not give me the benefit of the doubt, you know?