Why Psychologists Say You Don’t Get Along With Your Mother-In-Law

MOTHER IN LAW DRAMA: According to a recent survey, 6 in 10 mother/daughter-in-law relationships are strained. Compare this with less than 2 in 10 of son/mother-in-law relationships that are strained. If you're thinking that there *must* be something behind the difference, psychologists say there is.

One of the main reasons that women don't get along with their mothers-in-law has to do with who has the primary power in the relationship; in other words, a power struggle between two women fighting over the same man.

A relationship expert consulted by the Today Show offers this advice for wives to help keep the peace with their mothers-in-law:

• Give Mom Her Due -- Remember, this is the woman who raised the man you love, so be kind.

• Don't Compete -- Don't make your husband feel like he needs to choose between you and his mother. Instead, give him some basic advice on how he can help the two of you move into the future.

• Choose Your Battles -- Learn what's worth fighting over and what you can let go or over look.

AS HEARD ON THE SHOW: We asked our listeners to tell us about the nastiest thing their Mother in Law ever said or did to them, and this is what some of our 17 listeners had to say ...