Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
MIL Haunts Couple Over Not Having Kids, Then Crosses A Line She Can’t Take Back
Not every in-law relationship is smooth sailing and harmonious. As you may have read on this site, many are toxic, stressful, and drama-filled, leaving those involved no other choice but to set boundaries.
But what happens when those lines are crossed? More chaos. This woman knows that all too well after experiencing it from her mother-in-law, who insulted her to her face in her own home.
What was supposed to be a pleasant Father’s Day evening turned into a full-scale conflict, with family members taking sides.
RELATED:
Setting boundaries is the best way to deal with a toxic in-law
Image credits: jp_9_88 / Envato (not the actual photo)
However, this mother-in-law crossed the line so many times, and it all came to a head one evening
Image credits: africaimages / Envato (not the actual photo)
The author wondered whether she was out of line while clarifying some details about her
Image credits: throwaway_angryatMIL
Mothers disapproving of their son’s significant other choices is a common cause for conflicts with their daughters-in-law
Many parents do not approve of their child’s romantic choices. However, this story is one of those that took an uglier turn.
According to social psychology professor Madeleine Fugère, parental disapproval is one of the most common causes of in-law conflicts, which is why many women, especially, find it difficult to get along with their mothers-in-law.
“The traits that we value in our mates are not the same as those our parents value in mates for us,” Fugère wrote, noting that this often leads to an “initial dislike” that can be difficult for the daughters-in-law to overcome.
Fugère also noted that mothers of men may unconsciously discourage their sons from entering long-term relationships, which is tied to evolutionary history. As she explains:
“Strictly evolutionarily speaking, a man’s best mating strategy may be a series of short-term relationships with different women in order to ensure that his genes will be passed on.”
Image credits: engin akyurt / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
According to the author, her reproductive disorder is untreatable. On top of that, she and her husband had already decided not to have children, which deepened their conflict with the mother-in-law.
Since they’ve already set their boundaries, limiting contact may be their next best option. The silver lining is that it isn’t always permanent, according to licensed marriage and family therapist Suzette Bray.
“Giving them space—without passive-aggressively checking in or putting pressure on them—can sometimes be the best path toward eventual reconnection,” she said.
The woman provided more information about her story
Most of the people in the comments sided with her
Image credits: TrueTouchLifestyle / Envato (not the actual photo)
The author shared an update, revealing her MIL’s non-apology, while her father-in-law showed sincere remorse
Image credits: simonapilolla / Envato (not the actual photo)
Ultimately, the couple decided to go no-contact with the MIL
Image credits: throwaway_angryatMIL
The author answered the commenters’ questions while readers approved her decision
Poll Question
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
What do you think ?
Upstaged75 1 day ago
I will never understand these women who think they have a say about their son's relationship or get to be involved in it. 🙄 It's creepy and weird.
Paul C 1 day ago
Sadly, my mother is like this. It took me decades to realise why, but I now understand she is a narcist. Everything has to revolve around her. She recently asked me to move to her house to look after her (she's mid 80s). Not my wife and I, just me. I had to tell her I will never be her carer, for which I was told I was an ungrateful son. Interestingly, she hasn't asked my sister, who is separated from her husband and living alone. But then my sister always had a sheen of gold, where it was my job to keep the peace. At least now I am a doormat with a shiny spine, thanks to my wife.
Load More Replies...
Gavin Johnson 1 day ago
Weird that someone who has presumably given up HER family name is bothered about the family name she’s had for a short time continuing 🤷🏻♂️ obviously it’s also weird that she thinks that she has any say in what happens with her adult children and their partners. I have a daughter, my brother has a son and a daughter, are we telling my nephew that the family name rests with him? Nope, it’s his life and his choices that matter. If the Johnson name makes it past the next generation that’s dandy but if it doesn’t I’m not gonna get hung up about it.
Marno C. 1 day ago
I think the flying monkeys need to be told, "You have to understand that this is ultimately MiLs decision, not mine. She does not want me in this family. She does not approve of this marriage. She thinks I am too medically defective to be here. She is done pretending to like me and is now openly hostile. If you doubt this, please ask her, 'Do you wish OP would divorce your son so that he could marry someone else?' I know you are uncomfortable about this, but ask yourself, should anyone be forced to be around someone who hates them? Would you force your spouse to be around MiL is she hated them? Would you want to be around a MiL who despised you because of your medical issues? Why would you wish that for me?" Sometimes you have to answer with some penetrating questions.
Upstaged75 1 day ago
I will never understand these women who think they have a say about their son's relationship or get to be involved in it. 🙄 It's creepy and weird.
Paul C 1 day ago
Sadly, my mother is like this. It took me decades to realise why, but I now understand she is a narcist. Everything has to revolve around her. She recently asked me to move to her house to look after her (she's mid 80s). Not my wife and I, just me. I had to tell her I will never be her carer, for which I was told I was an ungrateful son. Interestingly, she hasn't asked my sister, who is separated from her husband and living alone. But then my sister always had a sheen of gold, where it was my job to keep the peace. At least now I am a doormat with a shiny spine, thanks to my wife.
Load More Replies... Gavin Johnson 1 day ago
Weird that someone who has presumably given up HER family name is bothered about the family name she’s had for a short time continuing 🤷🏻♂️ obviously it’s also weird that she thinks that she has any say in what happens with her adult children and their partners. I have a daughter, my brother has a son and a daughter, are we telling my nephew that the family name rests with him? Nope, it’s his life and his choices that matter. If the Johnson name makes it past the next generation that’s dandy but if it doesn’t I’m not gonna get hung up about it.
Marno C. 1 day ago
I think the flying monkeys need to be told, "You have to understand that this is ultimately MiLs decision, not mine. She does not want me in this family. She does not approve of this marriage. She thinks I am too medically defective to be here. She is done pretending to like me and is now openly hostile. If you doubt this, please ask her, 'Do you wish OP would divorce your son so that he could marry someone else?' I know you are uncomfortable about this, but ask yourself, should anyone be forced to be around someone who hates them? Would you force your spouse to be around MiL is she hated them? Would you want to be around a MiL who despised you because of your medical issues? Why would you wish that for me?" Sometimes you have to answer with some penetrating questions.
Related on Bored Panda
32
12