Joe Biden's MIL passed away over the weekend ... here's how to mend fences with yours.

VP hopeful Joe Biden's mother-in-law passed away over the weekend. For those of us who have less-than-perfect relationships with our own MIL, this was a reminder that we might want to work on that, stat. Because who knows how much time she's got left? Here are five ways to improve your MIL relationship starting now, courtesy of Sally Shields, author of "The Daughter-in-Law Rules." Listen up.

1. Be nice to your MIL, she'll be nice to you: "Be loving, kind, generous, openhearted, and sensitive toward your MIL and she'll be more likely to be that way to you," Sally says. (Well, we know annoyed, hostile, and passive aggressive hasn't worked so far ... so it's worth a shot.)

2. Call your MIL at least once a week to check in. If this is something you just can't stomach, call when you know she's not home so you'll get her machine. Or make sure your hubby is nearby so you can pass the phone to him at any given moment.

3. Shower her with compliments. "Take the time to tell her how pretty, young, healthy, and thin she looks," Sally says. Even if you have to slightly (or not-so-slightly) stretch the truth, remember: Flattery will get you everywhere.

4. Send her cards and flowers on her three special days: birthday, anniversary (if she has one), and Mother's Day. Daisies and Hallmark card: $50. Impact on MIL: Priceless.

5. Ask for your mother-in-law's advice. Even if you don't plan to take it, just the fact you're asking her advice makes her think you care what she thinks. So ask away.

How is your relationship with your MIL?