Mother-in-Law HELL

How to Deal with Impossible People: This is one of my favorite articles:

We all know impossible people. They tend to share three main characteristics: They cannot be reasoned with, they believe they can do no wrong, and they are convinced that everything is someone else’s fault. If you haven’t had some first-hand experience in dealing with such people, even a brief conversation can raise your blood pressure through the roof. These people may also be known to some as narcissists. Here are some insights and steps for dealing with these highly difficult – even, impossible – people.

Steps

1. Recognize that impossible people exist; you will eventually encounter them. There isn’t a thing you can do about it. The first step is all about facing reality: If you think you might be dealing with an impossible person, you’re probably right. When in doubt, proceed as instructed below. The headaches you save will be your…

A marriage usually means you’re not losing a son, daughter, sister, brother – it means you’re gaining a brother, sister, whatever. But what if it turns out to be a mixed bag, and the new addition is obnoxious, domineering, and overbearing? When you’ve tried your best to integrate the new family member, but his or her behavior continues to rankle, how do you cope without losing your relative?

1. Recognize the problem. Are you dealing with a loud, obnoxious sister-in-law who enjoys her own jokes more than anyone else does? Or are you dealing with a domineering, controlling brother-in-law who tries his hardest to outdo every feat from every anecdote, tries to out-macho your brother and dad, or seems to get off on loudly criticizing your sister or their children in front of the entire family? Either way, recognize whether you’re coping with an irritant, or with a possibly dangerous situation, and act…

Enjoy the article. Some of the advice is pretty insightful. If you have found an article that can help daughters-in-law please email it to me at motherinlawhell at yahoo dot com

If your mother-in-law repeatedly hurts you, physically or emotionally, you’re probably not going to be able to change her behaviour. You’ll have to protect yourself, your family, and the future.

Steps

1. Detach and think of her as an acquaintance. Don’t try to think of her as your “other mother” unless the relationship is warm, friendly, and family-like. Don’t call her “Mother” or “Mom”. She isn’t your parent; you are equals. Call her by her first name, unless you are living in (or your spouse is from) a country in which it’s considered rude to call your mother-in-law only by name. In that case, follow the custom properly as to how to respectfully address her, and ask your spouse if you’re not sure about…