Adapted from a recent online discussion.

Dear Carolyn:

At my wedding six years ago, my mother gave a tipsy, boneheaded toast that implied she wasn’t all that fond of my husband. My husband has gotten over it — he and my mom actually have a great relationship — but his parents were completely offended, and made it clear at the time that they weren’t interested in any joint family hangouts.

This hadn’t been a problem, as our parents live 500 miles away from each other, but now my husband and I are expecting our first child. I anticipate some family blending is going to be necessary.

Do you have any advice for how I can mend this unkempt relationship? I don’t expect my mom and mother-in-law to become BFFs, but I feel the disastrous toast should be addressed before throwing them around the same holiday table.

(Nick Galifianakis/For The Washington Post)

Belatedly joining families