Are Your In-Laws Out-Laws?

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When Jeff and I first got married, I remember one of my uncles telling Jeff that he was now an "out-law".  Is this a Kentucky thing that I was unaware of?  Does this mean my husband is now wanted in the tri-states? Did he mean he would break both his legs if he ever broke my heart?  No, my uncle is a really funny guy and was just making a joke.  (At least, I think it was a joke.  Note to Jeff: Uncle(s) may be keeping tabs on you.)


I have heard of some real horror stories about in-laws from some of my friends.  One friend had her mother-in-law curse her out when she was pregnant.  Another friend has her sister-in-law constantly talk to her husband about her while she is in the same room.  Not cool folks.  Not cool at all.


Now, if you came here looking for some dirt and scathing stories about my in-laws, sorry to disappoint. Lucky me, I have some ridiculously, wonderful in-laws.  My father-in-law is hilarious and his childhood stories will make you laugh until your sides hurt.  My mother-in-law is a saint.  I mean, let's face it.  She raised my husband. (Oh snap!)  Seriously, my mother-in-law is such a kind person and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.  Jeff's older sister, L, is the most organized mom I know and she would put Emily Post to shame.  Jeff's younger sister, K, well, she is one-of-a-kind.  (I mean this in a good way, K!)


For those of you who know K, you know she will shoot from the hip.  What I mean is, she is a straight shooter.  (Going with the out-law theme, you know.)  K will tell you like it is and she will not hold anything back.  Sometimes I tease her and tell her she should filter her thoughts before she speaks.


Now, when we first got married, I didn't know how to take K.  At first I thought, "Is it me?  Is that why she talks to me that way?"  Then I realized, no, that's just K.  She is brutally honest.


For example, several years ago when I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease (i.e. overactive thyroid), she says, "I thought that was a disease for skinny people." Oh. No. She. Didn't.  (I bet she is laughing right now as she reads this because I will never let her live it down.)  She went on to explain that is not what she meant and she was not trying to hurt my feelings which was indeed true.


It took me a while but I came to understand that K is completely honest with you because she cares about you.  She feels comfortable enough to really tell you how she feels even if she doesn't agree with you.


Over the years, K and I have shared lots of experiences and I can now say that I consider K to be my best friend.  She is fiercely loyal to those she cares about, she is a great mom/wife/nurse and she is really stinkin' hilarious.  There is not a day that goes by that we do not talk on the phone.  If I have a problem or I want someone else's opinion, she is one of the first people I call.


For those people reading this post who have horrible in-laws, my heart goes out to you.  Just think that it could always be worse.  I mean at least they don't live right beside you like on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. Oh, they do?  Well, get yourself some chocolate, a nice glass of wine and a good therapist ASAP.