My Mum was a MIL to my 6 brother in laws (obviously) and they all loved her and she loved them.
One of my sisters was dating a bloke who stood her up one time. My sister didn't stay home but went out with another sister (the advantages of having so many sisters is that you always have someone to go out with). While she was out he turned up very late with chocolates for her. When my sister came home and my mother gave her the chocolates my sister was not impressed and, as far as she was concerned, the relationship was over. But my mother spoke up for him, saying what a lovely bloke he was, and how thoughtful he had been in bringing chocolates etc. My sister said she would give him his chocolates back. And then, of course, my mother confessed that my sister couldn't return the chocolates, as as my Mum had eaten them. So my sister saw him again, and they now have four children, various grandchildren, and even great grandchildren.
