● DEAR ABBY: I just read the letter from "Dirty Family Laundry," who asked you how to stop her mother-in-law from doing her laundry. Would you please ask her to send her mother-in-law to my house? She'd be greatly appreciated.
I used to be picky about how laundry got done and where the dishes were put away. But now that I live 1,000 miles from all relatives — and have a baby and a 3-year-old to take care of and unending chores to do — I would love the help. — Tired in Illinois
DEAR TIRED: Your sentiments were echoed in the majority of responses I received about that letter. Read on:
● DEAR ABBY: Not only is the writer of that letter "particular," but she's also ungrateful. Life is too short to look for things to complain about. Let it go, dear. It really isn't worth getting upset about. I am truly grateful that my daughter-in-law overlooks my mistakes and loves me in spite of them. — Linda in Texas
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● DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law used to come to our house for weekend visits. My husband and I would come home to a "clean" kitchen. She couldn't see very well, and all of the dishes were dirty and put in the wrong cupboards. The stove and countertops were covered with an inch of soap film. Everything had to be washed all over again.
My mother-in-law has since had a stroke that has left her paralyzed, so she doesn't visit anymore. What we wouldn't do to have her whole again. — What's Two Days Every Now and Then?
● DEAR ABBY: That woman needs a reality check about what is important in life — the generosity of someone who is willing to do her housework and watch her kids, or whether her laundry is done to her specifications. She owes her mother-in-law a hug and a thank you, not criticism. — Wish My Mom-in-Law Were Still With Us
● DEAR ABBY: I have lived with the same problem for 16 years. My suggestion? Stop regarding her helpfulness as criticism. I used to think it was my mother-in-law's way of telling me I wasn't doing my job properly.
Hide any clothes that need special attention. Then write 100 times on a piece of paper, "She did the laundry so I don't have to. Yay!" — Tina in Virginia Beach