Given that the relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law is always just a cordial one (and that too at best, forced) it is easy for you to let that bitterness and cynicism seep into your pores in the long run.
The consequence of this pent-up frustration eventually will be what you yourself disapprove of, another 'her'.
While it is not that simple to keep your peace of mind, when your mother-in-law will not let you be you, there are some simple tips which you can follow to make your life a whole lot easier.

• See her for what she is, a human being

Your mother-in-law is a human being, with her individual wants and needs.
She was most certainly not born the way she is right now.
Difficult as it may be to imagine, try to picture her as she once was, a lovely, bright and cheerful little girl and young woman.
What made her like this? You may want to question yourself.
When you find the answer to this question, you will yourself be able to identify the very good in her.

• Your husband was her son first

Your man is your husband for much lesser time than he is her baby.
She has done everything for him.
Cook, clean and care.
She has spent wakeful nights when he was sick.
She has sacrificed a lot of things for him.
If your husband is a caring and loving husband, he didn't get that way on his own.
Your mother-in-law shaped him that way.
You do have a reason to be thankful to her.
It is not easy for her to give up her son either.
Understand this one aspect and a whole lot of difficulties will seem easier.

• Find yourself

You are a wonderful and talented woman.
You are more than a wife, a mother, and a daughter-in-law.
Find out what your passion is and devote time to it.
If your in-laws aren't particularly kicked about taking care of your child for a while, don't hold it against them.
Send your child to a good daycare center.
You and your child both deserve that time-out from each other.
Learn a new skill.
Something that you have always wanted to do, but never had the time.
Or find a job.
Do whatever makes you happy.
Remember, a happy mother is much better than a holed-up angry and frustrated mother.

• Don't hold grudges

It simply isn't constructive.
Nothing good ever comes out of negativity.
But positive attitude will go a long way in creating a more fulfilling life.
Trust me, whether you believe it or not, your mother-in-law doesn't wish bad for you.
It is just the way she is, and that is not about to change.
The only person you can change is yourself.
Why not make the change fruitful?

• Don't sacrifice if it means losing yourself

There is a limit to how much anyone can do for others.
Know your own limit and don't go overboard for the sake of looking saintly to others.
They won't think of you that way and you will end up angry in the long run.
Do whatever is asked of you if it makes you happy.
The key is positivity.
Whatever you feel will make a positive change, do it.

• Talk to a friend, not your husband

It may seem to be a good idea to talk to your husband; it is not the right one.
He feels sandwiched between the two women he loves the most.
He wants tranquility and nothing else.
Let him be.
Find a friend instead.
Tell them about your frustrations.
A third person will be able to see the problem from a better perspective, and give you a sound non-judgmental advice.
And last but certainly not the least; do not ever expect her to warm up to you.
If she does, excellent; if not, forget about it.
Do things that make you happy without being hedonistic.
Be a warm and caring person.
Be a happy person.
Both you and your family deserve it, don't you think?