Unhinged in-laws are a pretty relevant topic at the moment, since it's the Thanksgiving weekend. For many people, the holidays are a time of heightened stress, and conflicts with in-laws can be a big contributor to that. If you have a mother-in-law who's similar to the ones on this list, you might not feel so thankful this holiday season.
Mental health experts explain that it is crucial to set boundaries if you want to survive the Thanksgiving weekend. The important thing here is that a couple should present as a united front, meaning that if one spouse finds a MIL's behavior inappropriate, the other should back them up.
As evident from some of the examples on this list, toxic mothers-in-law like to be backseat grandparents. They think that because it's their son's child, they have a say in how they will be raised and cared for. PopSugar's Laura Lifshitz writes that it's important to let these types of MILs know that you hear their concern, but won't entertain their every whim and comment.
"Just gently say, 'Thank you for caring so much about the kids. It means a lot to me that you care so much, but don't worry. They will be fine,'" Lifshitz recommends saying. However tempting it may seem, it's best to refrain from smirking, rolling your eyes, and using a sarcastic tone. In the end, that will only bring more drama.
Even one evening with a toxic mother-in-law can be draining. That's why it's so important to practice self-care before and after, perhaps more intensely than regularly. Experts recommend spending more time with friends, doing activities that help you recharge and relax (be it working out, crocheting, or catching up on your favorite show), taking a moment to ground yourself in the moment, perhaps even meditating or doing some breathing exercises.
What are your relationships with your mothers-in-law like, Pandas? Have you ever received this sort of message from your unhinged MIL? Let's make the comment section into a group therapy session and share the worst things MILs have said to us. And after, if you're looking for more stories about how people deal with their toxic MILs, check out this one where a man got revenge at his overbearing MIL in the pettiest way possible!
