Anyone who has a mother-in-law knows that they like to say things to you that no sane person would ever dare say to another adult. They lack boundaries and feel like it is their sovereign duty to not only protect their child from you but to make sure that you know everything they think you’re doing wrong because you’re not doing it like they did.
I really do love my mother-in-law but she’s also a strong woman. She has opinions and she’s not afraid to share them. Over the years, there have been many things I never want to hear from my MIL again. Here are just a few:
How much she loved his ex
I don’t care if your husband’s ex was Mother Theresa and did all the right things, according to your MIL. She’s the past. My MIL telling me that she loved the ex only makes me not like my MIL.
That her son looks too skinny
My husband is a grown man and knows how to go to the store, buy food, cook it, and if all else fails, purchase takeout. She raised him with at least that much sense, right? If not, sorry MIL that’s a you problem, not a me one. I cook.
Criticisms about what I'm feeding her grandkids
Speaking of what we feed kids, I’ve never fed my kid an entire sleeve of Chips Ahoy for breakfast. You don’t like that I fed the kids tofu nuggets and pumpkin pancakes? They loved it. It’s healthy and we’re trying.
Any question about my parenting methods
I breastfed my girls. She didn’t. She constantly reminded me that formula is just as good. MIL, please stop following me into my bedroom lecturing me about breastfeeding while I’m literally trying to breastfeed. Also, whatever activities or schools my kids attend is also not up for discussion.
Suggestions that I work out
I’ve spent the past two decades taking care of her “baby” and having my own. I know I need to work out. Why do you think I start each morning by putting on yoga pants? I’m trying to set the tone. Don’t judge me. I’m doing my best.
"Don’t buy that Nespresso machine, it’s too expensive"
Then she inevitably shows up with a Mr. Coffee machine. It’s not the same thing. She’s just passive-aggressively stopping me from living my best life. But at that point, rejecting the not-a-Nespresso machine makes me a witch.
"Should you be going on that vacation?"
I was raised that vacations are not a luxury but a necessity for mental health and and well-being. Every year when we travel, she questions whether or not it’s a good idea. Yes, Karen, it’s a wonderful idea. See you when we get back.
"I hope you guys aren’t pregnant again, we don’t need any more kids around here"
We temporarily lived with my in-laws while we sold our home in a different city. They said this to us at the dinner table one night. Spoiler alert: I was pregnant when they said it to me. They didn’t know it.
