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DIL Sick Of Overbearing MIL Who Makes Plans Without Her Knowledge, Finally Puts Her Foot Down
Young woman frustrated and man trying to talk, illustrating DIL sick of overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge.

DIL Finally Stands Up To Overbearing MIL, Husband Sides With Mommy In Everything She Does

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I think that the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is probably the most complicated one. Even after marriage, some women can be extremely overbearing towards their sons, which can naturally anger the wife. Well, this just creates more complexities in their bonding.

Something similar happened with this postpartum woman, who was frustrated that her mother-in-law always planned vacations without consulting them. However, she soon realized that the bigger problem was her husband, who gave in to all his mom’s whims and fancies. Here’s how it sparked unnecessary drama within the whole family!

More info: Reddit

RELATED:

    Some mothers-in-law create problems in a couple’s life by being overbearing, but sons also let it happen at times

    Young man gently comforting overbearing mother-in-law as daughter-in-law puts her foot down on plans made without her.

    Image credits: The Yuri Arcurs Collection / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    The poster was super annoyed that her mother-in-law planned a vacation with the whole family without even asking if they were free

    Text excerpt describing a daughter-in-law sick of overbearing MIL who makes family plans without her knowledge and sets boundaries.

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    Text discussing a daughter-in-law sick of an overbearing mother-in-law making plans without her knowledge.

    Alt text: frustrated daughter-in-law upset with overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge and setting boundaries finally

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    Woman at desk expressing relief and confidence, symbolizing a DIL putting her foot down against overbearing MIL plans.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

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    Apparently, she always did that, and the poster’s husband always expected her to agree, but this time, she really didn’t want to go as she was postpartum

    Text excerpt showing a daughter-in-law expressing frustration with overbearing MIL making plans during maternity leave.

    Text excerpt about difficult MIL making plans without consulting, highlighting frustration and setting boundaries by DIL.

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    Text excerpt discussing a daughter-in-law frustrated with overbearing MIL making plans and spending without consultation.

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    Young woman upset with overbearing mother-in-law, man tries to comfort her as she firmly puts her foot down.

    Image credits: Wavebreak Media / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    When she told her husband about it, he was really disappointed, as he expected her to sacrifice her peace just to make his mommy happy

    Text update about DIL refusing overbearing MIL's plans made without her knowledge, deciding not to attend trip.

    DIL expresses frustration over overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge, deciding to firmly set boundaries.

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    Alt text: DIL expressing frustration over overbearing MIL making family plans without her knowledge, setting boundaries clearly.

    Text excerpt showing a daughter-in-law expressing frustration with an overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge.

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    Young mother holding baby in kitchen, feeling overwhelmed by overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    In fact, he even claimed that they would plan a weekend getaway just to soften the blow of cancelling this trip, which was to celebrate his mom’s work achievement

    DIL tired of overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge finally standing firm to set boundaries.

    Screenshot of text showing a daughter-in-law sick of overbearing MIL making plans without her knowledge.

    Text excerpt expressing frustration about an overbearing MIL making plans without knowledge, with a concerned daughter-in-law.

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    The poster was frustrated that he could understand her brother-in-law and sister-in-law’s position of declining the vacation, but not her

    Today, we dive into a family drama where the original poster (OP) tells us about her overbearing mother-in-law. The woman gave a vacation as a gift to the whole family, including her two sons, their wives, and their kids, to celebrate a work achievement. However, the poster was mad that she always made these plans without consulting them and expected them to just go along with it.

    Also, OP was in her postpartum phase, and this vacation would take away time from her maternity leave. Besides, she really didn’t want to go “skiing in May,” instead of spending time with her family as well. The poster genuinely felt that the woman’s actions were manipulative, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law didn’t want to go either.

    In an update, she confessed that she discussed it with her husband, but he was disappointed. Many folks pointed out that she had a husband problem, and OP agreed. Apparently, the man was ready to sacrifice his postpartum wife’s peace just to make his mom happy. In fact, he said that to soften the blow of cancelling this vacation, they should take her for a weekend getaway.

    Since their late father, the poster’s husband was his mom’s emotional support and didn’t want to hurt her. However, whenever OP tried talking to him about his mother, he always got defensive and claimed that her family was also annoying. While our lady did cancel this vacation, she was sure that this was not the last headache she would face because of the mom and son.

    Young man in a blue shirt wearing a wristband, looking frustrated while talking on a smartphone outdoors.

    Image credits: shurkin_son / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Sadly, studies show that 60% of women admit that their relationship with their female-in-law causes them unhappiness. It can definitely happen if they are toxic and overbearing. Experts also stress that emotional manipulation, no respect for your boundaries, and acting invasive in the marriage are clear signs of a toxic mother-in-law. 

    That surely sounded like the woman in the story, and her impulsive decisions were causing problems for the couple. Research also emphasizes that “An overbearing mother-in-law can be exhausting, stressful, and irritating. Her presence may contribute to relationship difficulties with the spouse or children, and may even result in a decreased self-worth or the victim pursuing isolation.”

    Moreover, the fact that OP’s husband would choose his mom’s happiness over peace for his postpartum wife is really problematic. It’s unfair how women are always expected to make sacrifices for their husbands’ families. That’s why some netizens applauded the poster for standing up for herself and declining the “generous vacation gift.”

    Research also stresses that having an unsupportive partner can make a person feel less understood, validated and cared for. Furthermore, it can also trigger a “stress amplifying effect,” meaning the level of cortisol increases in the body. Going through all this unnecessary drama during her postpartum period must be totally annoying for the poor woman.

    What would you do if you were in her shoes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

    Netizens instantly gave the poster a reality check that she didn’t have a mother-in-law problem, but a husband problem

    Comment expressing frustration about overbearing mother-in-law making plans without daughter-in-law's knowledge.

    Text comment on social media expressing frustration, highlighting a DIL tired of overbearing MIL making plans secretly.

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    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a daughter-in-law tired of an overbearing mother-in-law making plans without notice.

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    Comment discussing resentment and marriage conflict caused by overbearing mother-in-law making plans without knowledge.

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    Rutuja Dumbre

    Rutuja Dumbre

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    Rutuja Dumbre

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Monika Pašukonytė

    Monika Pašukonytė

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    Monika Pašukonytė

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

    What do you think ?
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is there some huge inheritance tucked away that keeps the kids from telling their mother to back off and let them live their own lives, or something? Regardless, OP should start arranging for MIL to “accidentally” run into single men her own age so she can maybe start dating and having a life of her own, instead of being so tightly entwined with her children’s lives that she depends on them to fill that void and keep her from being lonely. I mean, this trip is to celebrate a WORK anniversary? W*F? Who celebrates work anniversaries anywhere but at work, and through a pay raise? No one celebrates them by taking their family skiing—-in MAY! Yeah, MIL is lonely and needs to get TF out in her own community and start meeting people to pal around with. Then she’ll leave her kids alone more so they can finally live their own lives.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, they're merely very, very well trained.

    Load More Replies...
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How sad for her that she married a "momma's' boy". It will only get worse with time. He will never quit hassling her to placate his enmeshed mama. A few years from how she'll finally realize he can't bring anything to the table that's worth putting up with that mother and his inability to prioritize his own family (her and kids).

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    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just book a holiday with your own family for then.

    carmenagnes
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get paid over 220 Bucks per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. i never thought i'd be able to do it but my best friend earns over 15k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. the potential with this is endless..., COPY HERE➤➤ 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗝𝗼𝗯𝟭.𝗰𝗼𝗺

    Load More Replies...
    Tabitha
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is there some huge inheritance tucked away that keeps the kids from telling their mother to back off and let them live their own lives, or something? Regardless, OP should start arranging for MIL to “accidentally” run into single men her own age so she can maybe start dating and having a life of her own, instead of being so tightly entwined with her children’s lives that she depends on them to fill that void and keep her from being lonely. I mean, this trip is to celebrate a WORK anniversary? W*F? Who celebrates work anniversaries anywhere but at work, and through a pay raise? No one celebrates them by taking their family skiing—-in MAY! Yeah, MIL is lonely and needs to get TF out in her own community and start meeting people to pal around with. Then she’ll leave her kids alone more so they can finally live their own lives.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, they're merely very, very well trained.

    Load More Replies...
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How sad for her that she married a "momma's' boy". It will only get worse with time. He will never quit hassling her to placate his enmeshed mama. A few years from how she'll finally realize he can't bring anything to the table that's worth putting up with that mother and his inability to prioritize his own family (her and kids).

    ADVERTISEMENT
    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just book a holiday with your own family for then.

    carmenagnes
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get paid over 220 Bucks per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. i never thought i'd be able to do it but my best friend earns over 15k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. the potential with this is endless..., COPY HERE➤➤ 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗝𝗼𝗯𝟭.𝗰𝗼𝗺

    Load More Replies...
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