Bonding

Yesterday hubby told me that his 2 sis bought me some gifts during their trips. Only the eldest sis bought something for her brother. May sound like a normal gesture only but I'm very glad as they used to just buy for their brother. In fact, they didn't really like me in the beginning especially his 2nd sis. The first time we met was at a family dinner & she's being very hostile. I was pretty upset by the cold treatment & Vince consoled me that it's nothing personal... just that they were very doubtful about us being together. They thought it's too soon for their brother to really get into another serious relationship. Just that his 2nd sis was more upfront with her feelings. I don't blame them... because initially I couldn't believe it myself too!

Guessed his mum or eldest sis must have talked to her after the dinner. The next time we met, she forced a faint smile though I could still sense her repulsiveness. And I didn't join in their conversation because, 1stly, I couldn't understand much Hokkien & 2ndly, I preferred to stay low profile in order not to further provoke any1 in the family. But Vince was very thoughtful & would always make sure that I'm ok. To mentally prepare me, he also tactfully explain to me that his mum might be a lil slow to warm up too as she ever told him she's quite affected from the previous bad experience. So she'd rather be aloof.

On the other side it wasn't any easier for Vince too as my parents, especially my conservative mum, didn't like him thinking that he's too young & immature. My mum's behaviour was even unfriendlier than his! Oh my.... those were the tough days when we'd so many hurdles to cross....
Honestly it didn't take too long for his mum to open up. She likes to pull me into her room & asks for advices on mixing & matching her clothes. During daddy's wake, not only my parents-in-law came every night, Vince's uncles & aunts also gave us their support by showing up... Just last week... we went back for dinner & I didn't touch the steamed fish (I dont like seafood incl fish) until I gotta know she purposely changed her usual style of preparing to suit what I like. I was so touched & tried to stuff as much as I could into my mouth.
Small things like these are considered big rewards to me. Maybe I'm easily contented ya?Hehe...

His sis is also getting friendlier gradually & we talk more & more. Before she left for Greece, she even came to our place to borrow some clothes for her travel. And since she's back from Greece, we're communicating almost everyday via emails! No longer the "shy" gal during dinners, me now happily joining in the chats & teasing over meals.

As for my parents.... they're being won over by Vince after my feet surgery when they'd the chance to get to know him. My mum used to praise 1 of my cousins' bf... saying how a good boy he's who'd always take the initiative in doing household chores. Now she's so proud to show her SIL off to our relatives & her friends instead! Hee...

Well I believe it takes 2 to clap & this nurturing process is an ongoing 1. Whenever I feel unhappy about my inlaws or reluctant to walk that extra mile, I'll think about how well my hubby treats my mum + family & I'll simmer down. And amazingly, hubby does likewise too!