DEAR ABBY: In response to "Vulture's Prey," I had a similar experience with my ex-mother-in-law. Rather than call and complain, I realized she would always be our son's grandmother whether I liked it or not, so I decided to make an effort to talk with her whenever I saw her. I made a point of thanking her for gifts to our son, telling her what a great time he had visiting with her, inviting her in to visit with him, etc.
Once she realized that her "spying" no longer fazed me, she stopped. We are now on good terms. I believe the warm relationship I have with my son's grandparents and with his dad's first wife are the reason our son is so well adjusted. -- SATISFIED WIFE AND STEPMOM IN BOUNTIFUL, UTAH
DEAR SATISFIED: That may be true. But a large part of it also has to do with you.