It was easy Florge, I used to say "The parents", but you know where you can find a chit-chat with women is in thier sanctuary, the KITCHEN, when ever we visit the family I always go away from my husband and go straight to the kitchen asking if I can do anything to help.
So last Christmas (it was the first time we saw each other after the wedding) we were alone in the kitchen and I asked her if I can call her mother. And she said of course I can cos we are friends.
We wifes/partners/gfs should make one step forward or else we will be left sulking beside our husbands in a family gathering.
Hold on I haven't told this story to my husband yet!
Good night!