Here are some of the nicest things in-laws did for their family from the book "How to Survive Your In-Laws" (Hundreds of Heads Books, www.hundredsofheads.com, $13.95), straight from people who've done it.

“They help us when we move. They’ve helped us pack and then organize our new homes, even when we moved to Europe. And they never tell me how our home should be organized; my best friends don’t even do that!”
— Lorraine Brancatto Boersma, Toledo, Ohio; Years with in-laws: 8

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“They moved from Virginia (where we lived) to Florida. We rarely had to see them. They were nice, but we needed the space to grow up on our own. And they also sold their house to us for a good price.”
— Anonymous, Williamsburg, Va.; Years with in-laws: 34

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“The best thing my mother-in-law ever did for me was to take my side. Always. I always felt that there was someone in my corner. She’s 86 years old and still asks me if her son is treating me right.”
— Paget Perrault, Melbourne, Australia; Years with in-laws: 36

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“They gave us the down payment on a house. This was difficult for them because they knew we were looking at a home that was far away from them. But they accepted our decision and helped us begin our life together in a beautiful home. We make sure to invite them to our home often.”
— L.C., Pittsburgh, Pa.; Years with in-laws: 12

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“We bought a house way out of town. Almost immediately after the closing we realized we had to stay in the city. Then housing prices plummeted. We rented it to students, who trashed the place and dealt drugs. My father-in-law stepped in and managed the property for us until we could sell it, about eight years later. He said, ‘I’m going to make lemonade out of this!’ He did.”
— C.F., Brooklyn, N.Y.; Years with in-laws: 25

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© 2007, Hundreds of Heads Books, Inc.