My In-laws are worse than your In-laws!

[PrincessTiffany]

It makes me sad on some level that he doesnt have a relationship with us. I lost both of my parents this year, and DH's mom lives 24 hrs away, and her husband, Papa John, who my boys loved like their grandfather, died 3 years ago...My boys have 1 grandmother at the age of 12 and 9...they'll have no memories of "traveling to Grand-dads house" or any sweet memories like I have from growing up near my grandparents. But even as sad as it is not having a grandfather, I know deep in my heart that its healthier to NOT have him in our lives than to let him in, and have him be hurtful to us and possibly my boys.

And for the record, in those 18 years we've not talked - we've not contacted him and he hasnt tried to contact us either. So, my hopes that one day the grumpy, mean man I knew him to be has possibly turned into a remorseful loving man are slim to none...

So you need to say to yourself, is this MIL/SIL/FIL (whoever) a good person for my kids to be around? Will my kids learn good things from them? When my kids grow up and remember their childhood will it be filled with great family memories or something less than great?

Personally, I'd rather my kids have fewer family members than a bunch of crazy, mean ones..

But you also have to have the support of your spouse to be able to walk away from family - especially if the family you're walking away from is not your own. You're not just taking yourself and your kids away from whomever you're leaving, but you're asking your spouse to leave their family too - and some just cant do it - no matter how much it hurts to stay.

I wish I had more answers....

It is sad, the whole thing is sad. I've always tried not to talk about MIL in front of the kids and always tried not to let my issues with her affect their relationship with her, but now it's different. She has a dysfunctional relationship with EVERYONE, not just us. With her mother, her siblings, her former spouses, her children, her older grandchildren. I told my husband I was afraid we were setting up our kids for the same thing. I think she will eventually turn on them too, as she has done everyone else.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

MIL then launches into a tirade about how her dog (that she adopted from the shelter 2 months ago and she firmly believes is her dead husband reincarnated...I AM NOT JOKING), looks at her with "angry eyes" anytime she and the bf are together. She goes on and on about how the dog is my DH's father and is upset that she is dating this guy.

Trying to remain calm and rational, DH says to her "mom...if the dog is Dad, why does it growl and snarl at ME every time I see him?"

It does...the dog is a nasty little thing (perfect for the nasty old lady he has to live with). It snarls and growls at Dh every time it sees him.

So, MIL looks DH right in the face and says "Oh, that's because your father hated you."





I bet somewhere there's a story that beats mine by a mile, so please share it here. It'll make me feel less likely to drive my truck straight through the front door of her shiny new shop.

I hate what ya'll have been going through with your MIL, but OMG everytime I read about her thinking that the dog is her reincarnated husband, it makes me laugh! Like I said sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying

Oh and the poster who had the MIL who tried to carry the gun into Epcot - EPIC! I have shared that one with a number of friends this week.

 

[J/T Gramdma]

It is sad, the whole thing is sad. I've always tried not to talk about MIL in front of the kids and always tried not to let my issues with her affect their relationship with her, but now it's different. She has a dysfunctional relationship with EVERYONE, not just us. With her mother, her siblings, her former spouses, her children, her older grandchildren. I told my husband I was afraid we were setting up our kids for the same thing. I think she will eventually turn on them too, as she has done everyone else.

There is a site called -Motherinlawstories.com---They have alot of good advice and they support each other.I learned quite a lot from it.

 

[honeydiane1953]

What an eye opening thread. I have laughed and found my jaw hitting the floor. INCREDIBLE horror stories from DIL's whose MIL's who need to be in insane asylums.

 

[Jedana]

My current in-laws are fine...I never see them, even though we live less than 4 hours away for the 4 years! Before we moved here, we had zero contact with them for about 14 years--they moved and didn't tell DH (then finance) their new address or phone numbers!

We've gone up a couple times to see them, and they seem ok. The first time I met my MIL, we were at a "family friends" house, so the kids could all go swimming,; the son (who lived next door and who is about MIL's age) walked up and MIL said "I farked that. We had a fun relationship when we were younger...maybe I'll get on him again". Other than that, all I have are horror stories from DH, but I have never seen any bad behavior from them.



My former MIL, now she was a piece of work. Her son (father of my first DD) was an abuser--mentally first, then physically. At one point, we were staying with them, trying to get on our feet. This is out in the country--we're over 30 minutes from the nearest small town. I was working full time, through a temp agency, and exDH was not, yet again.

We're in the bedroom we shared with DD (about 8 months old) and he wanted to have some "fun"...DD had a fever and was cranky--wanted to be held. So, I said no, I need to take care of DD. He got angry and punched me in the stomach. (wasn't the first time he hit me, nor was it the last, to my shame)

I picked up DD out of the crib, and went into the living room, to get away from him. FMIL was in the kitchen and exDH came out, she asked him why was I crying on the couch? He told her he punched me, and she said I probably deserved it. FFIL came home a few hours later and I was puking up blood--he took me and DD to the ER...and this caused a fight with MIL, who kicked me and DD out that night. Yeah. She was angry that her husband took us to the ER--DD had a double ear infection and I had a stomach injury.

FFIL put us up in a hotel for a week, thank goodness. FMIL said DD could stay there with them, and so could exDH, but that "that w---e" was to never enter her house again. FFIL paid the deposit and first months rent and all utility hookup charges on a small apartment for us. While I worked, exDH took his girlfriends to his parents house to "have his fun"...with FMIL's full blessing.

When I finally got enough courage to call the cops and have exDH arrested for almost killing me (almost 5 months later), she blamed me--it was my fault he couldn't keep a job; that he took all the money out of the bank account and then wrote checks on it (causing the rent and grocery checks I wrote the day before to bounce--and I ended up with a misd. check theft/fraud charge--my only consolation, he got a felony); that he had to hurt me to teach me a lesson....

I don't know how she got to be so awful. FFIL was wonderful, and even after exDH and I divorced (and after he divorced FMIL), he would introduce me as his daughter (not DIL); he bought me a car (a good used one) so DD and I could get around; and he cosigned so we could get a decent place to live.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

My current in-laws are fine...I never see them, even though we live less than 4 hours away for the 4 years! Before we moved here, we had zero contact with them for about 14 years--they moved and didn't tell DH (then finance) their new address or phone numbers!

We've gone up a couple times to see them, and they seem ok. The first time I met my MIL, we were at a "family friends" house, so the kids could all go swimming,; the son (who lived next door and who is about MIL's age) walked up and MIL said "I farked that. We had a fun relationship when we were younger...maybe I'll get on him again". Other than that, all I have are horror stories from DH, but I have never seen any bad behavior from them.



My former MIL, now she was a piece of work. Her son (father of my first DD) was an abuser--mentally first, then physically. At one point, we were staying with them, trying to get on our feet. This is out in the country--we're over 30 minutes from the nearest small town. I was working full time, through a temp agency, and exDH was not, yet again.

We're in the bedroom we shared with DD (about 8 months old) and he wanted to have some "fun"...DD had a fever and was cranky--wanted to be held. So, I said no, I need to take care of DD. He got angry and punched me in the stomach. (wasn't the first time he hit me, nor was it the last, to my shame)

I picked up DD out of the crib, and went into the living room, to get away from him. FMIL was in the kitchen and exDH came out, she asked him why was I crying on the couch? He told her he punched me, and she said I probably deserved it. FFIL came home a few hours later and I was puking up blood--he took me and DD to the ER...and this caused a fight with MIL, who kicked me and DD out that night. Yeah. She was angry that her husband took us to the ER--DD had a double ear infection and I had a stomach injury.

FFIL put us up in a hotel for a week, thank goodness. FMIL said DD could stay there with them, and so could exDH, but that "that w---e" was to never enter her house again. FFIL paid the deposit and first months rent and all utility hookup charges on a small apartment for us. While I worked, exDH took his girlfriends to his parents house to "have his fun"...with FMIL's full blessing.

When I finally got enough courage to call the cops and have exDH arrested for almost killing me (almost 5 months later), she blamed me--it was my fault he couldn't keep a job; that he took all the money out of the bank account and then wrote checks on it (causing the rent and grocery checks I wrote the day before to bounce--and I ended up with a misd. check theft/fraud charge--my only consolation, he got a felony); that he had to hurt me to teach me a lesson....

I don't know how she got to be so awful. FFIL was wonderful, and even after exDH and I divorced (and after he divorced FMIL), he would introduce me as his daughter (not DIL); he bought me a car (a good used one) so DD and I could get around; and he cosigned so we could get a decent place to live.

I am constantly amazed on this thread about how absolutely HORRIFIC some inlaws can be. Your post actually moved me to tears because of the kindness of your FFIL. Thank Heavens he was there to help you.

 

[DVCJones]

Venting...

Okay, so I invited my MIL to join us (kids and I) to the movies last Sunday. during that time, she acknowledged that I have hosted a brunch, but told me she REALLY wanted to host Christmas and asked me what time I planned to leave town to travel and see my side of the family (2hrs away). I told her 2pm.

I know she is eager to host a holiday in her new house and told her it was no problem and asked her to think about what I should bring...

So today, I get her email saying she plans on serving appetizers at between 1-2 and dinner after that. She did this for Thanksgiving too!!!

Since we will see them all Christmas eve at my SIL, we are declining the invitation on Christmas Day and plan on exchanging gifts the night before.

It really irks me that they don't consider that I may want to see MY family and spend some time with them. I don't see them that often because of the driving distance. H's family is local. I only see my family during kid's birthdays and holidays. I usually see my family every 3 months or so.

Should I feel bad about skipping Xmas day? Do I really need to see them less than 14 hrs later? WWYD?

My H is fine with just seeing them on Xmas eve...

 

[marlynnp]

Venting...

Okay, so I invited my MIL to join us (kids and I) to the movies last Sunday. during that time, she acknowledged that I have hosted a brunch, but told me she REALLY wanted to host Christmas and asked me what time I planned to leave town to travel and see my side of the family (2hrs away). I told her 2pm.

I know she is eager to host a holiday in her new house and told her it was no problem and asked her to think about what I should bring...

So today, I get her email saying she plans on serving appetizers at between 1-2 and dinner after that. She did this for Thanksgiving too!!!

Since we will see them all Christmas eve at my SIL, we are declining the invitation on Christmas Day and plan on exchanging gifts the night before.

It really irks me that they don't consider that I may want to see MY family and spend some time with them. I don't see them that often because of the driving distance. H's family is local. I only see my family during kid's birthdays and holidays. I usually see my family every 3 months or so.

Should I feel bad about skipping Xmas day? Do I really need to see them less than 14 hrs later? WWYD?

My H is fine with just seeing them on Xmas eve...

Really? I'm sorry but I don't see a problem here. You sound a bit self-centered actually. It doesn't sound like she's demanding you come. I'd be glad that she is taking care of the day and you CAN just go and visit your family without having to host people in your home that morning.

All you do is let her know that as you had mentioned you are leaving at 2 to travel to see your family and either you will only stop in to see the house and have an appetizer or two or you won't be ab;e to stop by at all.

As you are seeing the in-laws x-mas eve maybe she isn't that concerned about you being able to attend and is more concerned about making the schedule work for the majority.

 

[worm761]

Future MIL is just a piece of work. She has decided that it is disloyal of Fiance to marry me. Somehow he is ruining her family by marrying me. Mind you, I have held my tongue through everything. I can speak volumes with a look and will look at future DH. Taking the advice of the married ladies here on the DIS, I let him deal with his family. (Heck, I make him deal with mine too! ) I felt it was in our best interest since I will cause major waves if I have to deal with her.

She sent Christmas gifts this past week. Now, Fiance is HORRIBLE at holding gifts. Shocked that he can hold the kids until Christmas. Anyway, so he opened his gift from his mother. All hell is about to break loose. She sent him pictures of her and his step father, him and his two siblings from her, and a book titled Wherever You Are, My Love Will Always Find You with an not written in it about how reading this she hopes he will finally "get it". This is a dig at me and he is sooooooo not happy about it. The funny thing is, He is one of the MOST loyal people I know. She just keeps pushing him farther and farther away. And of course, I get the blame.

We get married in June. Nothing big. We are going to the JOP to get married and will have a cook out with friends that weekend. I am scared to death that she will show up. I did inform Fiance that if she is there and so much as makes a noise there will be blows exchanged. He doesn't think that she will come. He is still calming down to talk to her at Christmas about his "gift". Thank God he opened it early. Could you imagine getting that on Christmas? And here I had given her the benefit of the doubt once again and thought she had done something nice for him. Thankfully, she didn't get me anything.

Thank you for the therapy guys. It really does help to just put it out there. I feel bad when I complain to Fiance about his family. My mother is dead and my father lives with us. Matter of fact, just gave Fiance a Keurig so they definitely get along. My siblings are very live and let live kind of people. Only really close to one of them and she is the one that is ill and leaving me her child. So he definitely likes her!

 

[DVCJones]

Really? I'm sorry but I don't see a problem here. You sound a bit self-centered actually. It doesn't sound like she's demanding you come. I'd be glad that she is taking care of the day and you CAN just go and visit your family without having to host people in your home that morning.

All you do is let her know that as you had mentioned you are leaving at 2 to travel to see your family and either you will only stop in to see the house and have an appetizer or two or you won't be ab;e to stop by at all.

As you are seeing the in-laws x-mas eve maybe she isn't that concerned about you being able to attend and is more concerned about making the schedule work for the majority.

That is just it...It IS expected that we be there. She insists on seeing ALL her children and grandchildren on Christmas Day!! But she doesn't consider that all four of her children had spouses with families too!

Anyone who knows me knows I am FAR from being self-centered. I do have my limits though...

 

[PrincessTiffany]

That is just it...It IS expected that we be there. She insists on seeing ALL her children and grandchildren on Christmas Day!! But she doesn't consider that all four of her children had spouses with families too!

Anyone who knows me knows I am FAR from being self-centered. I do have my limits though...

You aren't being self-centered at all. Tell your DH to call his mother and let her know that ya'll will see her Christmas Eve, but you will not be seeing her on Christmas Day due to the fact that you already informed her you were leaving town at 2 p.m. to see your family. If she doesn't like it, he just needs to tell her "too bad." Just go see your family and dont' give your MIL another thought, because she surely isn't considering your feelings.

 

[pampam]

Venting...

Okay, so I invited my MIL to join us (kids and I) to the movies last Sunday. during that time, she acknowledged that I have hosted a brunch, but told me she REALLY wanted to host Christmas and asked me what time I planned to leave town to travel and see my side of the family (2hrs away). I told her 2pm.

I know she is eager to host a holiday in her new house and told her it was no problem and asked her to think about what I should bring...

So today, I get her email saying she plans on serving appetizers at between 1-2 and dinner after that. She did this for Thanksgiving too!!!

Since we will see them all Christmas eve at my SIL, we are declining the invitation on Christmas Day and plan on exchanging gifts the night before.

It really irks me that they don't consider that I may want to see MY family and spend some time with them. I don't see them that often because of the driving distance. H's family is local. I only see my family during kid's birthdays and holidays. I usually see my family every 3 months or so.

Should I feel bad about skipping Xmas day? Do I really need to see them less than 14 hrs later? WWYD?

My H is fine with just seeing them on Xmas eve...

I would phone her, not email her. Ask her if she remembers the conversation you had when you went to the movies last Sunday. Ask her if she remembers what she asked you. Ask her if she remembers what you answered. Then, ask her for a solution to how you can do this. Put the onus on her. With what you told her, she created the problem. Perhaps she has an idea that would fit in with your plans. I'm not saying you must do what she tell you. I'm saying that since you told her what your plans were, what was she thinking. Not what do you think she was thinking. Calmly reason with her, and let her come up with a soloution that is acceptable to you and your family. If she can't, then you can let her know that she already knew what your plans were. Just don't get into a shouting match with her, With a calm voice, and a cool head, you can get so much more.

 

[pkondz]

I've been reading and either 1. chuckling 2. shaking my head 3. getting angry or 4. feeling sad over some of the things I've read.

Here's a little tidbit from me that I actually thought was kinda funny.

MIL has always had her issues. I tend to not let them bug me. Overall, she's a nice enough person, just sometimes... ya know? Here's the demographics: There's MIL. There's me, DW, DD14 and DD11. There's BIL with his DW and their kids DS7, DD4, DD3. Every year somebody does something and it's always on December 24. It used to be at MIL's for supper but she's getting older so we (her kids/kids-in-law) have taken over. BIL's family has his DW's side to think of too, so planning gets a little complicated. Two years ago we had brunch at their house, last year we hosted the brunch. This year it's their turn again.

Here's the part that I thought was funny. MIL has always favored her DS (BIL) over her DD (my DW... still with me?) He can do no wrong and should be given lavish gifts... She should quit her job and do something else, shouldn't do this, should do that... oh, and should be prepared to support her brother and his family when MIL is gone (like that's gonna happen! ) Anyway, MIL phones us and tells us that BIL can't host Christmas this year because his DW has her Mom, Dad and Step-mom over (from out of town) and "It's too much work to have to cook for 13 people." Fair enough. But then she said, "So you should have it again this year." Ummm... okay, we can do that. A little unfair, but no big deal. Here's the kicker, "And of course the Mom, Dad and Step-mom will have to be invited, because it's Christmas and they can't be left alone while the rest of the family goes to your place."

...
...
Anyone see the funny part? So, according to MIL, SIL can't possibly cook for 13 people 'cause it's just too much work... but she has no problem assigning me the job of cooking... for those same 13 people!

DW has to deal with her, but I just laughed and told her no, I'm not doing extra work for people I barely know. I have no issues with SIL not wanting to cook for 13, but I'm not going to do it either! As it stands it looks like no meal is being planned which IMHO is an even easier number to cook for!

 

[tw1nsmom]

Future MIL is just a piece of work. She has decided that it is disloyal of Fiance to marry me. Somehow he is ruining her family by marrying me. Mind you, I have held my tongue through everything. I can speak volumes with a look and will look at future DH. Taking the advice of the married ladies here on the DIS, I let him deal with his family. (Heck, I make him deal with mine too! ) I felt it was in our best interest since I will cause major waves if I have to deal with her.

She sent Christmas gifts this past week. Now, Fiance is HORRIBLE at holding gifts. Shocked that he can hold the kids until Christmas. Anyway, so he opened his gift from his mother. All hell is about to break loose. She sent him pictures of her and his step father, him and his two siblings from her, and a book titled Wherever You Are, My Love Will Always Find You with an not written in it about how reading this she hopes he will finally "get it". This is a dig at me and he is sooooooo not happy about it. The funny thing is, He is one of the MOST loyal people I know. She just keeps pushing him farther and farther away. And of course, I get the blame.

We get married in June. Nothing big. We are going to the JOP to get married and will have a cook out with friends that weekend. I am scared to death that she will show up. I did inform Fiance that if she is there and so much as makes a noise there will be blows exchanged. He doesn't think that she will come. He is still calming down to talk to her at Christmas about his "gift". Thank God he opened it early. Could you imagine getting that on Christmas? And here I had given her the benefit of the doubt once again and thought she had done something nice for him. Thankfully, she didn't get me anything.

Thank you for the therapy guys. It really does help to just put it out there. I feel bad when I complain to Fiance about his family. My mother is dead and my father lives with us. Matter of fact, just gave Fiance a Keurig so they definitely get along. My siblings are very live and let live kind of people. Only really close to one of them and she is the one that is ill and leaving me her child. So he definitely likes her!

I know that in family situations there's a ton of subtext that outsiders just don't get or see. But I'm having a hard time seeing this gift as absolutely terrible. It could be taken that she wants him to know that she always loves him no matter where he goes or what he does. Maybe she's trying to say that the problem is with her fear of losing him not any specific problems with you. Or....maybe she's a witch and is saying that nobody will ever love him like she does and that he should love only the family he was born into. My point is that you can't really tell from the description of the gift. It's actually something I can see myself giving my kids someday and similar to things given by my MIL.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I've been reading and either 1. chuckling 2. shaking my head 3. getting angry or 4. feeling sad over some of the things I've read.

Here's a little tidbit from me that I actually thought was kinda funny.

MIL has always had her issues. I tend to not let them bug me. Overall, she's a nice enough person, just sometimes... ya know? Here's the demographics: There's MIL. There's me, DW, DD14 and DD11. There's BIL with his DW and their kids DS7, DD4, DD3. Every year somebody does something and it's always on December 24. It used to be at MIL's for supper but she's getting older so we (her kids/kids-in-law) have taken over. BIL's family has his DW's side to think of too, so planning gets a little complicated. Two years ago we had brunch at their house, last year we hosted the brunch. This year it's their turn again.

Here's the part that I thought was funny. MIL has always favored her DS (BIL) over her DD (my DW... still with me?) He can do no wrong and should be given lavish gifts... She should quit her job and do something else, shouldn't do this, should do that... oh, and should be prepared to support her brother and his family when MIL is gone (like that's gonna happen! ) Anyway, MIL phones us and tells us that BIL can't host Christmas this year because his DW has her Mom, Dad and Step-mom over (from out of town) and "It's too much work to have to cook for 13 people." Fair enough. But then she said, "So you should have it again this year." Ummm... okay, we can do that. A little unfair, but no big deal. Here's the kicker, "And of course the Mom, Dad and Step-mom will have to be invited, because it's Christmas and they can't be left alone while the rest of the family goes to your place."

...
...
Anyone see the funny part? So, according to MIL, SIL can't possibly cook for 13 people 'cause it's just too much work... but she has no problem assigning me the job of cooking... for those same 13 people!

DW has to deal with her, but I just laughed and told her no, I'm not doing extra work for people I barely know. I have no issues with SIL not wanting to cook for 13, but I'm not going to do it either! As it stands it looks like no meal is being planned which IMHO is an even easier number to cook for!

1.) I have been reading and having the same reaction. Incredible, sad stories.
Many just take the cake. What is a person to do in those situations? It's just no winning. Sanity or drama.

2.) I do see the funny part. Good for you that you see the humor in it.

3.) And good for you to stand up for yourselves. I can't imagine.

 

[hereyago]

I had to catch up on this thread. And an update, my mom hasn't changed, but I now have validation from someone who thought I was just over exaggerating and wanted to run their mouth to me.

During Thanksgiving break, i went to Fl. to help take care of my aunt that had surgery for a few days. She is the one I usually have stay with mom while I'm out of town. My cousin from my other aunt who is now deceased offered well her husband who really I have met just twice, we never really talk and when we do, he tells me I should respect my elders no matter what, BIG FAT CHANCE and that I am exaggerating about my mom, there is no way that NPD is a real thing,blah blah blah.

Ok, I was like you can have her stay with you or whatever, but I will only call back if it's a true medical emergency,i won't call back if you call about the crazy things she does. I gave them certain things NOT to do, they didn't listen. ignorance is bliss until the cops come to your door on thanksgiving, lol. she tried to have them wait on her hand and foot-even the kids, what a shocker=not. it's one thing to welcome a guest in your home, but she was doing was being ridiculous-can you feed me? oh my, there is nothing wrong with her hands, as a matter of fact, she will stay up all night and fix sandwiches,etc for herself.

Thanksgiving night she called the cops-this one of the reasons I no longer have a house phone. Luckily for them i gave my cousin a copy of her diagnosis, of course cops don't know what NPD is and just said oh poor old lady-yea, right.
the husband tells her not to do that again, later that night, same thing. so after that my cousin brought her home and stayed here with her and went back and forth.

I had several texts and messages that I screened and I told them unless she is bleeding, having a heart attack, I am not calling back. they wanted to watch her after i have said how she is, they brought it on themselves. I get back home and the husband apologizes.

however, I don't think they will be watching her again.lol. I haven't heard from them since. I wonder why? lol.

 

[tlbwriter]

I would phone her, not email her. Ask her if she remembers the conversation you had when you went to the movies last Sunday. Ask her if she remembers what she asked you. Ask her if she remembers what you answered. Then, ask her for a solution to how you can do this. Put the onus on her. With what you told her, she created the problem. Perhaps she has an idea that would fit in with your plans. I'm not saying you must do what she tell you. I'm saying that since you told her what your plans were, what was she thinking. Not what do you think she was thinking. Calmly reason with her, and let her come up with a soloution that is acceptable to you and your family. If she can't, then you can let her know that she already knew what your plans were. Just don't get into a shouting match with her, With a calm voice, and a cool head, you can get so much more.

I'd do the opposite. I'd email her (less drama) and politely remind her that you're leaving for your family's celebration at 2:00, so you're sorry you'll miss their gathering, and you hope they have a lovely time. Calling her and encouraging her to work something out tells her that she really does have the ability to affect your plans.

 

[worm761]

I know that in family situations there's a ton of subtext that outsiders just don't get or see. But I'm having a hard time seeing this gift as absolutely terrible. It could be taken that she wants him to know that she always loves him no matter where he goes or what he does. Maybe she's trying to say that the problem is with her fear of losing him not any specific problems with you. Or....maybe she's a witch and is saying that nobody will ever love him like she does and that he should love only the family he was born into. My point is that you can't really tell from the description of the gift. It's actually something I can see myself giving my kids someday and similar to things given by my MIL.

Yeah, there is a TON of message in that book. She has already stated that it is unfair that we are getting married. It is unfair that we visit with my family. My last straw with her was when she stated that my daughter has to choose whose family she wants to be a part of. In other words, if she continues to love my side of her family and Fiance's father/step mother then she will no longer be a part of her family. She made this statement when DD was 7 MONTHS old. There is more I just don't wish to go into all of it or I will be writing a book about her.

 

[Principessa1284]

OMG.. I just had to bump this and post our Christmas "gifts" from my MIL..

DH got a lovely email about how much she loves him and that him, his brother and sister are her world.

She send me an email about how it's way past cleaning time for our (mine and DH's) bathroom & bedroom, and how I "can't live in a place without cleaning up after yourself." She also called my mother to tell her if she was going to get me a christmas present, that it shouldn't be clothing because I can't keep up with the laundry I have.

BUT they've FINALLY gone home, 600 miles away to Alabama. Merry Christmas to meeee!

 

[dbarker]

Venting

Back story. My MIL and SILs HATE for anyone to return any gift they give. Even if it is the wrong size. They also HATE regifting, for any reason.

MIL gave me a robe....with no tags. Even the size/care tag at the neck was cut off. BTW, you can see the stitching where the neck tag was.

The problem? It is too, too small. Never mind it is not the style I like; I was willing to just go with it. Until I got home and I held it up and realized it looked a bit small. I tried it on and sure enough it would not zip up, b/c it is way too small.

The kicker.....DH says he thinks (1) she bought the robe for herself and cut the neck tag off b/c it would bother her, then realized it was the wrong size. Or, (2) she could have bought it for her mother (who is in a nursing home) and DGM couldn't use it, so she gave it to me.

Thanks for letting me vent.