A few friends and I have committed to a lighthearted yet serious pact regarding our future roles as mothers-in-law: If I ever act like that, please deliver me a swift kick to the shins—I’ll do the same for you. This promise stems from observing some rather undesirable behaviors exhibited by mothers-in-law over the years. It’s essential to recognize that when you marry, you’re not just gaining a partner; you’re also merging families. Toxic micro-aggressions from in-laws can silently undermine relationships, causing stress and strain between partners.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of 16 mother-in-law behaviors that warrant a metaphorical punch in the face. Keep in mind, prioritizing your emotional health doesn’t make you a bad daughter-in-law; it makes you wise.
- Demand My Son Prioritizes Me Over His Wife
Once my son ties the knot, his wife takes precedence. I’m preparing myself for that reality, so if I ever throw a tantrum over him choosing her, someone please give me a reality check. He should love her the most, especially since she’ll be the mother of his children. - Encourage My Grandkids to Keep Secrets from Their Parents
Parents have the final say. There’s no such thing as “grandma privileges” apart from what their parents allow. If I ever risk losing babysitting rights over something trivial, I deserve a serious reprimand. - Interfere in My Son’s Marital Conflicts
It’s not my place to meddle in the matters of my son and his wife. If I ever attempt to insert myself into their arguments, I need a firm wake-up call. - Reorganize My Daughter-in-Law’s Space
Sure, I might have a better idea about where the coffee mugs belong, but it’s not my kitchen! If you catch me rearranging her belongings, I expect a swift intervention. - Fold Laundry Without Permission
Helping out is great, but there are boundaries! If I ever take it upon myself to fold my daughter-in-law’s laundry without asking, someone tie me down and remind me of my manners. - Gift Unflattering Clothes
If I ever buy my daughter-in-law outfits that are clearly not her style, hoping to mold her into a mini-version of me, I deserve to be put in my place. - Think My Son Can Do No Wrong
Believing my son is perfect and that his wife is always at fault? That’s a fast track to resentment. - Hold My Daughter-in-Law to Unrealistic Standards
Assuming my daughter-in-law is flawless only sets her up for failure. No one is perfect, and that expectation is unfair. - Invade Her Privacy
Knocking is a must! If I ever barge into my daughter-in-law’s room without waiting for an invitation, I expect to be severely reprimanded. - Offer Unwanted Advice
If I ever start dispensing unsolicited advice, someone should remind me that no one appreciates that—especially not daughters-in-law. - Show Up Without Notice
If I forget my manners and appear unannounced, I deserve to be reminded of proper etiquette! - Critique Her Cooking
Adding hot sauce or seasoning to her carefully prepared meals is simply unacceptable and downright rude. If I can’t appreciate her efforts, I should face the consequences. - Ask My Son to Mediate Arguments
Expecting my son to choose sides in a dispute between me and his wife? Absolutely not. Someone should intervene swiftly! - Gaslight My Daughter-in-Law
If I ever find myself manipulating my daughter-in-law’s perceptions, that behavior has to stop immediately. - Engage in Passive-Aggressive Behavior
If I ever resort to low blows and snide comments, I need a serious reality check. - Compare Myself to Her Parents
If I catch myself musing about how my son and daughter-in-law prefer her parents over me, it’s time for a hard reset on my perspective.
These behaviors are not just poor manners; they can wreak havoc in mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships. I’ll keep this list handy as a reminder to avoid such pitfalls and ensure my friends do the same.
For tips on dealing with challenging mother-in-law dynamics, check out our other blog posts, including a discussion on cutting ties with toxic mothers-in-law and our thoughts on what we wish we could express. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, visit Healthline for excellent guidance, or check out Cryobaby’s At-Home Insemination Kit for top-notch resources. And for more information, don’t miss this article on our blog!
Summary:
This article explores 16 behaviors of mothers-in-law that are detrimental to relationships with their daughters-in-law. From meddling in marital issues to offering unsolicited advice, these actions can create tension and resentment. The author encourages self-awareness and accountability among future mothers-in-law to foster healthier family dynamics.
Keyphrase: Toxic mother-in-law behaviors
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