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MIL Thought Rearranging Her DIL’s Home Was “Helpful”, Woman Decides To Turn The Tables
Older woman with a thoughtful expression sitting indoors, relating to MIL and DIL playing the long game with furniture.
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MIL Thought Rearranging Her DIL’s Home Was “Helpful”, Woman Decides To Turn The Tables

Interview With Expert

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At a young age, we all learn the golden rule: treat others the way you wish to be treated. It’s an essential life tenet that ensures we have a harmonious relationship with people as much as possible. 

Yet, some grow into adulthood without taking this fundamental principle to heart. This woman seems to be an example of this. After callously and sneakily turning her daughter-in-law’s home upside down, she ran amok after receiving the exact same treatment. 

Of course, people on the internet lauded the daughter-in-law’s actions, and you will see why as you read through.

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    A woman may have just learned a harsh lesson on respecting other people’s spaces

    Image credits:  Danik Prihodko / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    The conflict started with her daughter-in-law

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    Image credits: Blake Cheek / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

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    Worse, the entitled woman appeared oblivious about what she had done wrong

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    Image credits: Askar Abayev / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    Knowing who she was dealing with, the daughter-in-law began devising a plan

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    Image credits: A. C. / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    She successfully exacted revenge without her husband knowing

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    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo) 

    As she expected, her mother-in-law was furious

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    Image credits: Polina Zimmerman / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    However, she does not regret her actions at all

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    Image credits: anonymous 

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    Overly critical and controlling mothers-in-law may feel judged, leading them to act the way they do

    Image credits: Engin Akyurt / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    Reading the story, it appears as if the mother-in-law rearranged the woman’s furniture for no particular reason. But according to licensed counselor Chana Johnson, there are different underlying reasons. 

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    “If the daughter-in-law is making choices that are different from the choices she made, mothers-in-law can feel judged,” Johnson explained to Bored Panda. “Like the daughter-in-law is subtly implying that the way she did things was wrong, and that can cause friction.”

    Johnson added that a mother-in-law with a strong, overbearing personality may be more controlling, especially if the daughter-in-law fails to set boundaries immediately. 

    This is what appears to have happened in the story, as the author mentioned that her MIL had been interfering in their relationship for many years. 

    On the topic of establishing boundaries, Johnson mentioned one key component: consistency. Apart from setting them at the start, maintaining those boundaries is just as important. 

    “It doesn’t work when the husband/son undermines the effort by going back on what they’ve decided. If you agree to no longer tell (MIL) your plans because she’s controlling, he can’t go behind your back to tell her what you’re doing,” Johnson said. 

    However, the spouse also plays a major role in such scenarios when dealing with his mother. As psychotherapist Marc Zola explains, husbands must make their wives the priority, not their mothers. 

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    “If the MIL is highly anxious or struggling with adapting to the new stage of life, this will reinforce the power imbalance (you can’t be neutral on a moving train),” he said. “It’s best to support your partner first and foremost.”

    In the story, it’s not enough for the husband to simply agree that his mother is getting old and grumpy. He must be the one setting these boundaries more than his wife to avoid similar conflicts in the future. 

    As for the woman, giving her MIL a taste of her own medicine may have been harsh. However, given the situation, it may have been the only way to effectively get her point across.

    The author provided more information in the comments

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    Most readers applauded her act of pro revenge

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    Miguel Ordoñez

    Miguel Ordoñez

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Struggling writer by day. Frustrated jazz drummer by night. Space Cowboy 24/7.

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    Miguel Ordoñez

    Miguel Ordoñez

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Struggling writer by day. Frustrated jazz drummer by night. Space Cowboy 24/7.

    Indrė Lukošiūtė

    Indrė Lukošiūtė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    I am a Visual editor at Bored Panda, I'm determined to find the most interesting and the best quality images for each post that I do. On my free time I like to unwind by doing some yoga, watching all kinds of movies/tv shows, playing video and board games or just simply hanging out with my cat

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    Indrė Lukošiūtė

    Indrė Lukošiūtė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am a Visual editor at Bored Panda, I'm determined to find the most interesting and the best quality images for each post that I do. On my free time I like to unwind by doing some yoga, watching all kinds of movies/tv shows, playing video and board games or just simply hanging out with my cat

    Jonas Žvilius

    Jonas Žvilius

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    In my spare time, I enjoy creating art - both in traditional and digital form, mainly in the form of painting and animation. Other interests include gaming and music. Favorite bands include Swans, The Strokes, The Beatles.

    Read less »

    Jonas Žvilius

    Jonas Žvilius

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    In my spare time, I enjoy creating art - both in traditional and digital form, mainly in the form of painting and animation. Other interests include gaming and music. Favorite bands include Swans, The Strokes, The Beatles.

    What do you think ?
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The mills of the Lord grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small." I loved the "Tell Cersie it was me" comment.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never would have stayed married to him because I would have called the cops and pressed theft charges against her for disposing of my knick knacks. When I was young, I only had family heirlooms to decorate with, that would be a hill to die on for me. How dare you throw Great grandmother's milk glass away! Retrieve it, or Replace it! Now!

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I FLIP OUT when someone messes with my stuff.

    Load More Replies...
    Leigh Currie
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    My husband and I went on holiday. MIL fed the cats. When we returned the curtains had been changed. Every man (including my husband) "she was being helpful". Every woman "She did what!". I was fuming but we made our peace in the end. She was a fantastic support through my cancer and I truly miss her.

    Load More Comments
    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "The mills of the Lord grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small." I loved the "Tell Cersie it was me" comment.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never would have stayed married to him because I would have called the cops and pressed theft charges against her for disposing of my knick knacks. When I was young, I only had family heirlooms to decorate with, that would be a hill to die on for me. How dare you throw Great grandmother's milk glass away! Retrieve it, or Replace it! Now!

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I FLIP OUT when someone messes with my stuff.

    Load More Replies...
    Leigh Currie
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    My husband and I went on holiday. MIL fed the cats. When we returned the curtains had been changed. Every man (including my husband) "she was being helpful". Every woman "She did what!". I was fuming but we made our peace in the end. She was a fantastic support through my cancer and I truly miss her.

    Load More Comments
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