Researchers at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research studied 373 same-race couples over 26 years and found that husbands who made the effort to get on with their mother-in-law were the ones most likely to stay married. All the couples were between the ages of 25 and 37 and in their first year of marriage when the study began in 1986. Men who get along with their mother-in-laws, increase chances of avoiding divorce by 20 per cent, psychologists say. Oddly, however, women who enjoy a good relationship with their in-laws have a 20 percent greater chance of separating.

According to lead researcher, Dr. Terri Orbuch, “It is a good thing if men get along with their in-laws because these ties connect the husband to the wife.” For women, however, the situation is rather different. “Because relationships are so important to women, their identity as a wife and mother is central to their being. They interpret what their in-laws say and do as interference into their identity as a spouse and parent", she added.

An elderly Indian woman agreed with these findings and pointed out that sometimes problem with the mother and daughter-in-law relationship is that of inferiority issues. If mum won't give up mothering her son even though he's married, daughter-in-law is made to feel she's the second, not the first woman in his life. Daughters-in-law want to establish their place in the family, while mothers-in-law want to ensure they're not excluded.

This study emphasize the importance of Daughter-In-Laws to have better relationships with their Husband's Mom. Girls should be more patient and adjusting. Some good ways to impress your mum-in-law are: (1) Get to know issues she is touchy about. Also, get to know what she likes (2) Bring her gifts (3) Dress well (4) Don't compete with her (5) Be polite (6) Call her often (7) If required seek her advise and lastly (8) Always present a united front.