Morning Greer...

I get on really well with my partners family, almost more than he does. I have never been with someone whos family doesn't like me, but when a guys mum is a bitch like that its usually cause she doesn't feel needed anymore, sees the girl as a threat. Thats the way I see it any way

This one has me split both ways. My ex-wifes family were screwed because of my mother-in-law being a patriarch and controlling everything. Self esteem issues abounded. When our marriage broke up my mother in law dug her boots in and was awful about the whole thing, even though it was her daughter who broke off the marriage.

However, looking at spending a lonely Christmas on my own this year makes me kind of wish things went differently, no matter how nuts the mother in law was.

I can't say I've ever had any problems with ex's parents (in fact the last guy I dated for any substantial period of time, his mother was on my side during the break up)

On the other hand when I was a teenager my father used to greet my dates with a jar and scissors and tell them with a very straight face that they should leave a testicle on deposit... Parents are much better now but apparently still scary.

My ex's parents were a nightmare. They were all into everyone being cookie cutter alike, and I certainly didnt fit into their mould of what they wanted for their son. I remember at our engagement, his dad made a toast, "Well its wasnt the outcome we were wanting for our son, but now we're here, we might as well make the best of a bad situation". We had to hold back my uncles from smashing him. His mother always disapproved of my cooking and the way I kept house (even though her own house was cluttered and always messy). And then when he left me, they acted like it was my fault!

My in laws now are lovely. I know for a fact my mother in law doesnt think I'm good enough for her son. But then he is the light of her life, and I dont think anyone would be good enough in her eyes! So it doesnt faze me too much. She tries and I try and we meet in the middle. I appreciate where she's coming from and we get along well :) And his father is adorable. In him, I see so many things that I love about my man. They're both very sweet and gracious and patient and thoughtful. And after 30 odd years his parents are still head over heels in love. It so sweet! And my man gets on uber well with my family. My sister adores him, he makes a really awesome effort with my dad and I think even my mother approves. Whoa! We're pretty lucky really.

My first serious boyfriend took me home to meet his parents early on in the relationship. I stood in their lounge while he spoke to his mum and when his dad finally noticed me all he said is "who the f**k are you?" - I got used to his abrasive plain-speaking eventually but he was a scary, scary man.

The next one was much better, both parents were very warm and friendly and the mum cooked the most amazing roasts. However when it all started to unravel between me and the guy she was completely on his side even though he was the one being a jerk. That was a good lesson to learn though.

Now I couldn't wish for better future in-laws. His mum is very laid back and welcoming, his dad super generous and a good laugh. I'm pretty sure he feels the same way about my folks too, so we should have no problems with in-laws :)

I have lovely in-laws. The FIL and I disagree on everything but he means well.

I have been with their son for 11 years, married for 6 and I am still waiting for them to take down the damn ugly cross-stitch hubby's ex made them for Xmas one year. That's my only real gripe with them!

I really do not miss having to put up with a partner's family. I've gotten on with most of them in the past as I think I'm a reasonably easy going guy. However there's always some sort of unnecessary drama involved.

My in-laws are very nice people... in a super-religious sort of a way. I'm an oddity to them, because women are supposed to stay at home and raise the children (preferably two, preferably one of each gender) but not only do we not have children, I actually go out and WORK! They've been a bit funny ever since hubby took on a new, more enjoyable, but lower paid job, meaning I am now the chief breadwinner. They've also in the past offered help with a house deposit, but only if we're having kids (to "speed up the process" - so that they can "enjoy their grandkids" while they're "Still around") and don't consider the years we were together but not married to count for anything. Overall they're very lovely people, just challenging to be around. Especially sober (they don't drink at all).

And some time in the future you will be one of these protective mums scrutinising the harlots trying to lead your precious son astray.

I think my in-laws are very nice people, generous and loving, but my father in-law drives me up. the. wall.

We just dont click at all. Also my family comes with its own set of issues that my poor husband has inherited too. So yes, this is definetly a silver lining of singledom!