Updated: Dec. 16, 2020
Originally Published: March 1, 2018
As you reflect on the blissful day of your wedding—complete with the perfect gown, lively dancing, and promises of eternal love—did you truly grasp what you were signing up for? Did you adequately prepare for the reality of married life, which includes an extended family that may come with its own set of challenges, particularly the infamous mother-in-law?
While I count myself fortunate to have a supportive and kind mother-in-law, I’ve heard enough horror stories from friends to know that not everyone shares this luck. These tales, which have been shared anonymously for obvious reasons, are sure to make you chuckle, cry, or perhaps feel grateful that your own situation isn’t as dire. So grab a glass of wine and brace yourself for these unforgettable anecdotes—you may just realize your MIL isn’t so bad after all.
1. The Control Freak MIL
Hannah has a few things to say about her overbearing mother-in-law: “She insists the kids can’t have butter on their rolls as it will make them overweight. Plus, she’s made it clear that if we’re late for Christmas dinner, we shouldn’t bother coming. To top it off, she brought over used swimsuits she picked up at a garage sale and told my daughter she couldn’t have them because I said so.” Seriously? That’s a level of control that’s just unacceptable.
2. The Buzzkill MIL
Then there’s the MIL who aims to be fun but misses the mark, like Rachel’s: “Every time she watches the kids overnight, she texts me at 6 am the next day to say they’re awake and I need to come get them.” Isn’t the point of asking for help a chance to catch up on sleep?
3. The Martyr MIL
Meet Linda’s mother-in-law, the ultimate martyr: “She loves to remind us how she did everything perfectly without her husband’s help. She claims he never changed a diaper or helped at night because that was her responsibility.” Congratulations on your past, but in today’s world, we understand that dads can help too.
4. The Politically Charged MIL
Then there’s the experience of Vanessa, whose mother-in-law is a staunch Trump supporter. Enough said—family gatherings must be quite the spectacle.
5. The Meddling MIL
Julia’s MIL takes meddling to a whole new level: “She calls our teenagers directly to inquire about our family dynamics—like asking my son if I’m home or what’s for dinner. Then she uses that intel to plan her visits.” No thanks, Nancy; we’re just fine without your surprise drop-ins.
6. The Indirect MIL
Samantha’s mother-in-law loves to communicate through her grandchildren: “She tells them things like, ‘You should ask your mommy for a new coat’ while I’m standing right there.” Thanks for undermining my parenting, Grandma.
7. The No Filter MIL
“‘Have your breasts always looked like that?’ my mother-in-law asked while I was nursing,” shares Amanda. Seriously, could we pick a more inappropriate moment for such a personal question?
8. The Tactless MIL
Cara recounts, “While I was nine months pregnant and caring for a toddler, she asked if I planned to put on makeup to look better.” Really? My appearance is the least of your concerns at this moment.
9. The Blunt MIL
Jessica’s mother-in-law is brutally honest: “She suggested I audition for The Bachelor while we were just dating, and she wore black to my wedding.” That’s certainly a bold move.
10. The Critical MIL
Lastly, let’s not forget the fathers-in-law. Mark shared, “My mother-in-law once said she felt like she failed my wife and sister-in-law because they don’t keep a cleaner house.” That’s a low blow, Carole.
These tales remind me that I want to be a supportive and loving mother-in-law when the time comes, even if my future children-in-law have differing opinions. But if they don’t vaccinate or support certain political ideologies, I might need to rethink my approach.
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In summary, navigating the world of mothers-in-law can be a complex experience filled with a variety of personalities and quirks. These anecdotes serve as a humorous reminder that family dynamics can be challenging, yet they also highlight the importance of kindness and understanding within families.