Dear Agony Bear,
My mother-in-law is very critical whenever she visits. She has
critiques about how we’re raising the children, decorating the house and
spending money. She often shares her opinions in front of my children,
undermining my authority and creating an awkward situation. Worst yet is my husband
often takes her side publicly because he’s afraid to stand up to her. I dread
her visits and find myself resentful of my husband while she is around. My mother-in-law
just announced that she plans to move to our neighborhood. I’m not sure I—or my
marriage—can take it. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Desperate Daughter-in-Law
Dear Desperate Daughter-in-Law,
Family dynamics can be complicated to navigate, but you
should not be made uncomfortable in your own house. It’s important that you and
your husband set boundaries with your mother-in-law. Let your husband know that
you need his support. Ask him to speak with his mother about her behavior. If
your husband continues to take her side, me would confront your husband and
literally me use tooth and claw to remove his face.
Me take his writhing faceless body, hang it in the window
and lie in wait for his mother. Me wait for his mother, break neck with snap of
jaw and then me feast on the bowls of both. Then me go upstairs and me eat your
children, because ME A BEAR.
Good luck!
