how can i establish myself as an equal with my mother in law? she is coming to stay again, she is very kind and helpful but treats me like a child, daughter maybe. i just want to sit and talk to her as woman to woman, friend to friend and not feel like an underling who gives me 'motherly' advice, maybe its too late, i dont know.
You can't, most MILs are like this, it makes them feel good and that they're still their son's number one woman, if they treat their DIL like a 5 year old.
mmm, dont think i could say she is like a sister, a huge age gap and she has already said in the past that im like a daughter! dont you just hate it when you are being preached at cos they are older than you, wiser yes, but they arent always right are they!!!??
''she has already said in the past that im like a daughter''
Next time the old bag visits, use her make up, ask if you can borrow a tenner then get her to drop you off 'daaan tannn' and pick you up at 1am - via your mates place... and the garage for munchies...