FATHER-IN-LAW

Happy birthday to the man whose child I married, proving your judgement cannot be completely terrible. When we first met, you assessed my job, intentions, driving and general suitability with the warmth of a border-security interview. Since then, you’ve generously supplied advice on money, property, parking, tools and several subjects neither of us properly understands. I’ve learned that the correct response is to smile, nod respectfully and then quietly do whatever I intended in the first place. Thank you for welcoming me into the family and only occasionally reminding me that I married considerably above my station. You’re a brilliant Father-in-Law—and considerably less terrifying than you initially appeared. Happy birthday x