Ways to Handle a Horrible Mother-in-Law

Most women are blessed with wonderful mother-in-laws. However, an unfortunate few find their mother-in-laws to be unbearable. For those who find themselves dealing with a stressful mother-in-law situation, here are some helpful tips.

Here are 10 ways to handle a horrible mother-in-law!

1. Separate Yourself

You may find it necessary to remove yourself from the situation to give yourself time to think things through and decide on a plan to come to terms with your mother-in-law. Be up front with her and let her know you that you need a “time-out.”

2. Don’t Take it Personally

Your mother-in-law’s behavior is most likely not personal; some mother-in-laws would never be satisfied with their son’s choice. Because you love your husband, try to quietly put up with her.

3. Make Up Your Mind

Don’t give up your power to your mother-in-law; make your mind up that regardless of how horrible she is that is will not impact your home and your ability to be a great wife and mother.

4. Husband Duty

It is your husband’s responsibility to lead the family and to protect you, even from his own mother. He should never allow his mother to make negative comments about you or to act badly towards you. Make sure he understands how you feel about the situation and his role in it.

5. Lock the Doors

Never give your in-laws the spare keys to your house. Unannounced visits are not always welcome visits, and if you or your husband give her keys, you’re giving up the power of inviting her, or NOT inviting her, over.

6. Talk to Her

Have an honest chat with your problematic mother-in-law. Fill her in on how her actions are affecting your family; perhaps she simply has no idea what her role as mother-in-law really is.

7. Two Sides to Every Story

Try to understand where your mother-in-law is coming from; maybe the situation is a gross misunderstanding or maybe she has a legitimate concern. Whatever her concern, address it and move on.

8. Always be the better person

This may be difficult but never approach your mother-in-law situation in anger. Address the situation with a cool head and open mind, and always, ALWAYS take the high road.

9. Put Yourself in Her Shoes

No matter how our children are, they are still our children. Your mother-in-law may be having trouble letting her son grow up. Imagine yourself in her shoes and gain from that perspective.

10. Always Try for a Loving Outcome

TRY to make it work. Concessions may need to be made but the give and take will be worth your effort to keep your family intact. She will be a part of your family until one of you dies, so why not make it bearable until then, right?

Working out your differences with your mother-in-law may not be easy or quick, but a peaceful result is well worth your efforts. Do you really want to be the wife who draws the line and asks her mother to choose between his mother and you? Be very careful with ultimatums, you may not like the outcome. Have you ever dealt with a monster-in-law? What other tips can you share for dealing with a terribly mother-in-law?

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