Dear Annie: Relationships are work, letâs make it pleasant

Dear Annie: I have to share a gift. When my nephew got married, his future mother-in-law sat her daughter down and had a talk with her about her future mother-in-law. Her mom told her to be “nice and respectful” to her future mother-in-law.

Her mom told her this, because she has a daughter-in-law who does not treat her well. Unfortunately, I feel this story could be familiar for many mothers of sons. It is heartbreaking that so many families experience this. We never know when a loved one could be gone in a heartbeat. So, why are we acting this way?

I guess what really needs to be said is this: Talk to each other. Tell each other what you like and don’t like. Engage in a relationship. Life is work; let’s make it productive and pleasant for as many as we can.

Thank you for listening; I love your column for what you write, mainly because of your openness to other viewpoints. — Mother-in-Law

Dear Mother-in-Law: Your letter highlights a very important rule; namely, the golden one. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. When we live like this, the world shines a little brighter.

Dear Annie: Please tell the parents who were confused or concerned about cellphone use to have their teens watch (with them, if possible) the documentary “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix. It explains the power of cellphone addiction and how it is ruining lives, making teens (and adults) depressed and anxious and contributing to the rise of hate groups.

The biggest threat is the undermining of democracy. Everyone should watch it. It is an eye-opener and will surely give teens more to think about when deciding on their own to use less screen time than just “cause mom and dad say so.” — Cellphone Wary

Dear Cellphone Wary: This was a great movie — thanks for the recommendation! — though, I think some of the political messages could be considered controversial. Though there’s no dispute that social media and cellphones are incredibly distracting. Cellphones have been called “the new cigarettes” because they can be addictive and harmful.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].