Hello Dr. Laura,
My mom believes in the "attracting bees with honey than vinegar" approach. She would quote this constantly as I was growing up, and even as an adult, but...
When I met my soon-to-be mother-in-law, guess what? SHE DID NOT LIKE ME. I was horrified. (No mother of a boyfriend had ever not liked me, as far as I knew!!) I tried the bees with honey approach. I cried a lot. I tried every tactic - Still nothing. It's been 21 years of wedded bliss, still she doesn't like me. I blamed and questioned myself for years.
What I have learned is - some people are impossible to please (or crazy), and trying to "win people over" is a complete waste of time. Be yourself. Be the BEST version of yourself!
xoxoxoxo
Emily