A famous philosopher, Kant, once wrote in one of his works:

“The only reliable people in one’s lifetime are those around you.”

In most cases, a mother-in-law tends to see her daughter-in-law as an outsider. But no matter what, the daughter-in-law is someone close by and whom she will rely on in old age.

Usually, the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is difficult. When the mother-in-law is young, she often thinks her daughter-in-law can’t do anything right.

But everyone grows old eventually. Many times, when the mother-in-law becomes old, she relies on the daughter-in-law to take care of her.

There are many stories about mothers-in-law, some involving other children. So when a daughter-in-law argues with her, the mother-in-law might say:

“I won’t rely on you in the future, so why are you being hostile?”

In reality, in many cases, the only person a mother-in-law can rely on in the end is her daughter-in-law.

So wise mothers-in-law don’t speak in absolute terms and leave themselves a way out.

When I was young, my mom and my grandma never got along.

My grandma had six or seven children, so she believed that even if her daughters-in-law didn’t take care of her, she had daughters who would.

Thinking this way, my grandma always looked down on my mom and never gave her any respect.

When I was six, my mom gave birth to my little brother, and I remember it clearly.

The day after my mom gave birth, my grandma started blaming her, saying she did things wrong and didn’t eat properly.

Later, my grandma even made my mom cook on her own.

In my grandma’s eyes, my mom was insignificant, so she could do as she pleased.

But when I was in second grade, my grandma fell ill. With none of the aunts or uncles around, only my mom and dad were left at home.

At that time, it was only my mom who took care of my grandma, setting aside past grievances.

Imagine if my mom had held grudges. Then, when my grandma fell ill, there would have been no one to care for her.

Therefore, sometimes people shouldn’t be too absolute. While one might not need a daughter-in-law’s care when young, when facing difficulties or illnesses, it’s the daughter-in-law who stands by your side.

My best friend’s mom also took care of her grandmother.

In their home, my best friend’s mom faced unequal treatment but endured it because she loved her husband.

She always thought her mother-in-law wasn’t kind to her and might not need her care in the future.

But one Chinese New Year, heavy snowfall caused my best friend’s grandmother to slip and break both legs while going to the restroom.

With her legs broken, my best friend’s grandmother remained bedridden. Unfortunately, her son, whom she trusted, didn’t come home.

With only the daughter-in-law at home, she took care of her mother-in-law.

Sometimes, people might not want to care for their mother-in-law, but circumstances leave them no choice.

Just like my best friend’s mom, who said, “I don’t want to care for my mother-in-law, but if I don’t, who will?”

For this reason, my best friend’s mom ended up looking after her mother-in-law.

In many cases, when someone falls ill, it’s usually the daughter-in-law who cares for them.

Those who seem nice to you but don’t live with you won’t come to help when you’re in trouble.

Living with your daughter-in-law means she can’t turn a blind eye when you’re in need, unlike others who can keep their distance.

Sometimes, don’t place too much hope on your children. Often, those who seem caring are only after their own interests.

Yet, many mothers-in-law are reluctant to trust their daughters-in-law, seeing them as outsiders.

In my neighborhood, something like this happened.

The old lady next door had a bad temper, as did her husband. Both were short-tempered.

Despite their tempers, they had a wonderful daughter-in-law who worked hard at home and outside.

One year, their son went to work in another city and got into trouble, preventing him from returning home.

With their son absent, the daughter-in-law handled everything at home for two years.

Seeing their son not returning, the elderly couple, thinking he would come back, mistreated the daughter-in-law in his absence.

Years passed, and the son was declared dead.

Upon his death, his wife inherited all his property as she had two children.

Two-thirds of the son’s assets were hers. So, legally, the wife was entitled to all the property.

When their son’s situation turned dire, the elderly couple, realizing they had no one else, turned to the daughter-in-law.

They even called their daughter, who said, “My brother left, and I didn’t get a penny. Why should I support you?”

Clearly, the daughter didn’t want to care for her parents, leaving them with no one to support them.

At that moment, the daughter-in-law stepped in, offering to care for both elderly people. It was then the elderly couple realized they could rely on the daughter-in-law.

The daughter-in-law cared for them without any payment, not out of duty but out of compassion.

Often, when someone loses their spouse, if the daughter-in-law is compassionate, she will care for her in-laws.

Remember, as you age, it’s often your daughter-in-law you can rely on.

Even if you doubt your daughter-in-law when she marries into the family, thinking she’s an outsider.

But as the saying goes, “A daughter-in-law is like spilled water.”

When a woman marries into your family, she dedicates herself to you. Treat her with the same dedication.

Remember, in the end, it’s your daughter-in-law you can rely on. As the saying goes:

“Raise soldiers for a thousand days, use them for a moment.”

Smart in-laws understand the importance of treating their daughter-in-law well. This way, when they face difficulties, the daughter-in-law will willingly help them.