Person Gets Incredibly Sick After Eating MIL’s Meals, Magically Recovers Without Them

Some people hit the jackpot with amazing in-laws. Others… not so much.

For this Redditor, living with their future mother-in-law has been anything but pleasant. Not only does she make it clear she doesn’t like them, but there’s also a disturbing pattern: every time she prepares a meal, they end up terribly sick.

So they turned to Reddit with a chilling question—could it be possible that she’s poisoning them? Read the full story below.

After living with their future mother-in-law for some time, the person noticed they got sick after every meal she made

Woman cooking in kitchen, suspicious behavior causing person to ask if she is poisoning them, stirring pot on stove.

Image credits: Visual__Production (not the actual photo)

It left them wondering—could she be poisoning them?

Person asking if MIL is poisoning them after suspicious and weird behavior while living together during quarantine.

Person reflects on complicated family relationship and worries about MIL's weird and suspicious behavior suggesting possible poisoning.

Text excerpt discussing refusal of rent aid and taking up chores due to suspicious behavior and concerns about poisoning by MIL.

Text excerpt discussing a person's healthy lifestyle and daily routine amid suspicious behavior concerns from their MIL.

Text excerpt mentioning symptoms after arrival, illustrating concerns about suspicious behavior and possible poisoning.

Person describing symptoms of sickness after meals, worried about possible poisoning from suspicious behavior.

Young woman sitting on sofa, holding stomach and covering mouth, showing signs of illness and suspicious behavior concerns.

Image credits: voronaman111 (not the actual photo)

Text discussing symptoms and suspicion of poisoning linked to MIL’s weird and suspicious behavior at home.

Person expressing concern about poisoning after mother-in-law's weird and suspicious behavior in a tense family scenario.

Text discussing suspicion and concerns about possible poisoning due to mother-in-law's weird and suspicious behavior.

Person asks for advice about suspicious behavior and concerns of being poisoned by mother-in-law.

Text showing a person clarifying their future mother-in-law relationship in a suspicious behavior discussion.

Image credits: BigOlWalrusMan

Why can mothers-in-law be so difficult and how to deal with it

The mother-in-law stereotype is everywhere. From pop culture to everyday life, the “monster-in-law” trope is hard to escape.

But behind that label are real people. And people are complicated—layered, sometimes irrational, and often frustrating to deal with, especially when you’re on the receiving end of their behavior.

In-law relationships are uniquely sensitive because they come with layers of family loyalty and power dynamics. They connect directly to the person you love, which makes finding harmony all the more challenging.

Experts stress that mothers-in-law who get under our skin aren’t usually born “evil.” As Dr. Lauren Phillips, Psy.D, told PureWow, “to say that a person is toxic is to reduce them to only bad qualities and dismiss any redeeming qualities or strengths. When we understand that ‘hurt people hurt people,’ we can more aptly identify the unhealthy aspects of a relationship that aggravate or even trigger us.”

Insecurity is often at the root. Old wounds can resurface, making people lash out through withdrawal, avoidance, or even aggression. And for many mothers, identity is tightly bound to their role in the family. According to Access Therapy, maternal influence has been seen as central to a mother’s purpose. So when a new partner enters the picture, it can feel like a threat to that influence, sparking fears of being replaced or becoming irrelevant in their child’s life.

Of course, none of this excuses toxic behavior, like the extreme actions described in the story above. But understanding why it happens can help us make sense of it and maybe handle it better.

So how do you deal with a difficult mother-in-law? Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Bethany Cook shared some practical advice with PureWow:

1. Communicate with your partner

It’s not always easy—no one wants to play tug-of-war with family. But you should be able to share how you feel and what’s bothering you. Even if your partner hasn’t noticed, the goal is to walk away with mutual understanding.

2. Talk to your mother-in-law

Once you’ve been honest with your partner, they should support you in having a heart-to-heart with your mother-in-law. Dr. Cook suggests calmly expressing your feelings and using “I feel” statements to avoid putting her on the defensive. Preparing some notes ahead of time can help keep the conversation focused.

3. Minimize exposure

If nothing changes, it might be time to limit contact. That doesn’t have to mean cutting her off completely. As Dr. Cook explains, if your partner wants to visit their mom, let them go while you take some time for self-care. Less exposure often means less stress.

4. Set boundaries

Boundaries are essential. Whether it’s unannounced visits or constant criticism, you need to be clear about what’s okay and what isn’t. Healthy distance can allow a relationship to exist without overwhelming you.

5. Encourage your partner to enforce those boundaries

If your efforts fall flat, your partner may need to step in. As Dr. Cook notes, “that child is now your life partner and needs to…protect the union of the couple.” It may upset the MIL, but it reinforces that your marriage or partnership comes first.

Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself facing these issues. But if you do, these tips can help you protect your peace while keeping family relationships manageable.

Image credits: BETZY AROSEMENA (not the actual photo)

Readers felt the suspicions could be valid and offered advice on how to test it

User discussing suspicious behavior and advice on catching potential poisoning by MIL through food testing and actions.

Comment advising to see a doctor and gather evidence due to suspicious poisoning behavior from mother-in-law.

Text post advising to switch plates abruptly with your partner to test suspicious poisoning behavior from MIL.

Comment advising to see a doctor and consider poisoning or stress related to suspicious MIL behavior affecting health.

Comment discussing suspicious behavior and legal concerns related to poisoning fears involving a mother-in-law.

Comment about suspicious behavior and poisoning concerns, discussing warning signs and trust in relationships.

Advice on testing for poison exposure after suspicious behavior from MIL, including medical and safety precautions.

Comment advising someone who suspects poisoning by MIL to consult a toxicologist without revealing their visit.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing suspect behavior and wondering if she is poisoning with food or drink.

Screenshot of an online comment suggesting to save and analyze leftovers due to suspicious poisoning concerns from MIL behavior.

Screenshot of advice on dealing with suspicious behavior from a mother-in-law related to poisoning concerns.

Comment advising a person to consult a doctor and detective over suspicions of poisoning by MIL's behavior.

Comment advising to go to the ER immediately when feeling unwell due to suspicion of poisoning by a person cooking.

Online comment advising to see a doctor about symptoms amid suspicious behavior suggesting possible poisoning concerns.

Comment advising immediate blood tests after suspecting poisoning from MIL's weird and suspicious behavior with food.

Screenshot of Reddit comment discussing suspicious behavior from MIL and concerns about possible poisoning and safety precautions.

Comment advising caution about possible poisoning by MIL, suggesting medical checks and documenting suspicious behavior for safety.

Comment suggesting to ask MIL to switch meals or offer bites to observe suspicious behavior related to poisoning concerns.

Text post on a forum asking about sharing food from a mother-in-law amid suspicious behavior and poisoning concerns.

Comment discussing suspicious behavior and how to gather evidence if a person suspects their MIL is poisoning them.

User advice on suspicious behavior and concerns about potential poisoning by mother-in-law shared in an online forum.

Comment advising caution around suspicious poisoning behavior, suggesting food testing or swapping plates to catch the culprit.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing food poisoning symptoms related to suspicious behavior from a mother-in-law.

Commenter advises careful responses regarding suspicion of poisoning due to MIL’s weird and suspicious behavior in a delicate situation.

Comment discussing suspicions of poisoning by mother-in-law with advice on diet and food storage for safety.

Comment warning about possible poisoning by mother-in-law and advising medical testing and police contact.

Advice on documenting signs of poisoning and suspicious behavior from a MIL to protect personal health and safety.

Screenshot of a comment discussing suspicions about poisoning due to mother-in-law's weird and suspicious behavior.

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