32 Times Mothers-In-Law From Hell Left Their Relatives Speechless

To find out more about navigating through the complex dynamics of a relationship with your mother-in-law, Bored Panda talked to Jane Parker, a Strategic Intervention Advanced Relationship Coach who coaches clients to have successful, fulfilling, and healthy relationships.

Jane told us that “There are often issues with mother-in-laws because women are used to having a say in how things are done and how children are raised. They are accustomed to influencing their 'child' and now someone else is doing that. This can be hard for some mothers.”

Moreover, “Women love to contribute and sometimes it is hard not to say your opinion, especially if the subject means so much to you. Hence why MILs have a bad reputation for interfering or criticizing,” the relationship coach explained.

Another reason why the problems with MILs arise often has to do with the fact that since they “love their children very much, it is hard to let go of that instinct to influence them.” Plus, “they love to spend time with their ‘child’ and it can be hurtful to them when this fades due to their marriage or relationship.”

It turns out that “the relationship with your mother-in-law can drastically affect your relationship, especially if your spouse does not understand or empathize with your feelings on the matter.” Jane explained that in some severe cases, “the effect can be so intense that it can change the way we feel about our spouse.”

In case you find yourself struggling with similar feelings, Jane suggests “Expressing to your spouse that your marriage is your absolute priority and that you want to make sure that you are a team at all times, even when dealing with their mother.”