The ex-almost-mother-in-law (we were living in sin), who was Italian, was the best lady ever. Although I wasn't Italian (nobody's perfect) she rationalized that I did come from a "good" European family, with "good" European values, so that was at least acceptable. It was the ex who she really suffocated and nagged ("NOT IN MY HOUSE, WHO RAISED YOU... OUT... those ripped up jeans make you look like a HOODLUM" etc). I on the other hand, was bellissima and she always took my side.
The only real thing that was annoying about her was this obsession that not a single person in the world could cook but her. She would almost faint if you didn't pour half a box of salt or a cup of olive oil into everything. But she was very sweet and loving, and I think I stayed with the ex an extra three months because I knew I would miss her.
