Yes, respect is a two way street as is all relationships. I will say when Sister in law was saying horrible things about dh and our family to a cousin, I wish I could have been a fly on the wall! Cousin chewed her out. I noticed when we went back for a funeral sil would not speak to that cousin. The cousin looked at us and laughed. Life is too short to put so much negative into your life.
I hope I am a good MIL. At least, the sil stays here when they visit but probably only because we have the room? I hope I was a good dil. The first seven years I was a pain but I got over it and was quickly forgiven by my MIL. She is a dear and I have very fond memories of her.
__________________
Ellen in PA
"God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of love, power, and a sound mind."
rough guidelines:
in a group at home supervised by me - younger than 16
in a group outside the home - driven by the parents (me) - maybe 14 to 16
in a group outside the home - driven by another teenager - more like 18
single date to the movies - 14
single date to dinner - 14 to 16
single date to ??? - after 16
dances and proms - middle school
__________________
Ellen in PA
"God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of love, power, and a sound mind."
My dd started dating by having the boy come over the house...House Dates.....First year of high School.....Second year parties and group dates....by 3 year on her own.....4th year of High she had a job week nights and week ends and paying for her own new car which she paid for herself with some help from me only with the down payment...paid her own car ins. too.....so there wasn't much time left for dating....lol
Don't stay were you are tolerated, go where you are celebrated! 
Ellen in PA 
Caroline 
