yes, I do agree with you and I even remember my mother asking my father how long it had been since he called his mother.
We have one son so will probably face it too.
I also think we women are the nurtures(sp) and that could add in here too. I have also seen this work the other way when the daughter in law doesn't get along with her family and the inlaws become close. Its happening with my extended family. Because the family member saw what was happening with my mother in law and me she and I have been able to be really open with each other.
This is one of my cousins daughter in laws.
People dynamics always fascinate me.
Maggie