is it nice having a close relationship with in-laws?

Do you think it's nice to be close to your in-laws? I'm not allowed to be too close to my in-laws (my husband himself doesn't allow it), he says it's to keep my mother-in-law from interfering. But honestly, she seems nice. When I see my friends who are close to their in-laws, I feel envious... while I'm always restricted, not even allowed to contact them directly. If there's anything, it has to go through my husband. But it's true that there's never been any interference in our marriage. Anyone have a similar experience? Or anyone close to their in-laws? Share your stories, I'm curious what it's like...