When you have a great relationship with your family, you probably don’t spend a lot of time talking about it. After all, if everyone gets along, there is simply not much to report. But if your family gets on your nerves, chances are you’ve got plenty to get off your chest.
Perhaps that’s why there’s no shortage of outrageous stories on r/JUSTNOMIL, a subreddit dedicated to people dealing with difficult mothers-in-law. We’ve rounded up some of the most ridiculous and entitled examples shared over the past month. Scroll down to read them for yourself.
#1 No More Guest Room!!!
MIL has been a terror since baby was born about a year ago. Husband kept insisting that my MIL stay in our guest room to help me after delivery, but I wasn't ready and didn't want her around during the most vulnerable time of my life.
We kept going back and forth on keeping the guest room or removing it. I couldn't stand hosting anyone overnight after becoming a mother. Especially since all of our family is somewhat nearby (MIL is the furthest around 1.5 hrs give or take).
Overnight stays were not necessary IMO and we finally agreed to remove the guest room bed and convert the room to a playroom!!! I'm ecstatic at the thought of never having to host anyone overnight again
Just had to share my joy today.
We kept going back and forth on keeping the guest room or removing it. I couldn't stand hosting anyone overnight after becoming a mother. Especially since all of our family is somewhat nearby (MIL is the furthest around 1.5 hrs give or take).
Overnight stays were not necessary IMO and we finally agreed to remove the guest room bed and convert the room to a playroom!!! I'm ecstatic at the thought of never having to host anyone overnight again
Just had to share my joy today.
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61points
#2 Mil Grounds Husband (33m)
My Husband (M33) is visiting his mother (F75) while he has a work thing in the same town. This happens like twice a year but seems to be the last time that he is going to be staying with her. It was a good opportunity to visit.
She has always been very crazy. This time she has been hyper focused on eavesdropping on his conversations. He had to call our insurance company to clear up an issue and he was getting out of his car and she was walking inside at the same time and left the front door open presumably for my husband. Once he walked inside the door slam shut because she was standing behind the door.
He then said something along the lines of “Oh sh*t!“ then she said, “You don’t use that language in my house.” He says, “Oh well you scared me so it was kind of a surprise.”
She casually follows him around the house trying to listen in on his phone call, she tries to do it “sneakily” by sitting out the bedroom door. Once it was off the phone he confronted her about listening in on the conversation and they get into an argument with finally she says “That’s it you’re grounded!” He says, “I’m 33!” She says, “No Xbox for one week.” He decides to leave at that point.
She has always been very crazy. This time she has been hyper focused on eavesdropping on his conversations. He had to call our insurance company to clear up an issue and he was getting out of his car and she was walking inside at the same time and left the front door open presumably for my husband. Once he walked inside the door slam shut because she was standing behind the door.
He then said something along the lines of “Oh sh*t!“ then she said, “You don’t use that language in my house.” He says, “Oh well you scared me so it was kind of a surprise.”
She casually follows him around the house trying to listen in on his phone call, she tries to do it “sneakily” by sitting out the bedroom door. Once it was off the phone he confronted her about listening in on the conversation and they get into an argument with finally she says “That’s it you’re grounded!” He says, “I’m 33!” She says, “No Xbox for one week.” He decides to leave at that point.
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39points
#3 Mil Refuses To Believe New Guidelines For Babies
Apparently I’m an alcoholic because I want to have a glass of wine or a cocktail when out at a restaurant while I’m breastfeeding my 3 month old.
I pump beforehand and have a small stash for occasions I’m drinking. So this overly cautious, since the recommended is to just wait 2hrs per standard drink. This is the science. I stupidly entertained her by explaining how blood alcohol works and how it correlates to breastmilk.
She just went on about how her father was an alcoholic and she married an alcoholic (my husband’s father whom she is divorced) I asked if she was insinuating I’m an alcoholic. She just gave me a look and said being a mom takes sacrifices. eye roll
I’m tired of these ninnies being allergic to new data. I told her if she’s going to be critical of my choices then I’m not going to tell her things.
I pump beforehand and have a small stash for occasions I’m drinking. So this overly cautious, since the recommended is to just wait 2hrs per standard drink. This is the science. I stupidly entertained her by explaining how blood alcohol works and how it correlates to breastmilk.
She just went on about how her father was an alcoholic and she married an alcoholic (my husband’s father whom she is divorced) I asked if she was insinuating I’m an alcoholic. She just gave me a look and said being a mom takes sacrifices. eye roll
I’m tired of these ninnies being allergic to new data. I told her if she’s going to be critical of my choices then I’m not going to tell her things.
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35points
#4 Mil "Lost" A $200 Piece Of My Wedding Dress And Refuses To Apologize
So I got married June 13th. Stored my wedding dress at the In-laws so my husband didn't see it. Went to get it the day before the wedding and it had been taken out of MY garment bag and balled up in a trash bag.
I didn't flip out just took my dress to a friend's and steamed it to get the wrinkles out. We noticed that the jacket is missing. No one knows where it went. MIL swears it wasn't in my garment bag when she moved it because obviously a trash bag was better to transport it in.
I never lost my temper, I again just found a solution... The problem is the whole family acted like I had done something wrong, refused to speak to me at our reception and have been saying how horrible I am for asking my MIL to apologize. MIL has refused to admit she did anything wrong and idk how to get past this. I truly have no desire to ever be around his family ever again.
I didn't flip out just took my dress to a friend's and steamed it to get the wrinkles out. We noticed that the jacket is missing. No one knows where it went. MIL swears it wasn't in my garment bag when she moved it because obviously a trash bag was better to transport it in.
I never lost my temper, I again just found a solution... The problem is the whole family acted like I had done something wrong, refused to speak to me at our reception and have been saying how horrible I am for asking my MIL to apologize. MIL has refused to admit she did anything wrong and idk how to get past this. I truly have no desire to ever be around his family ever again.
30points
#5 Proud Little Victory
I finally called my MIL out for constantly referring to my babies as HER babies. She walks into my house and my toddler was crying and she instantly goes "oh no my baby is crying" and I just go "hmm is your baby crying it doesn't seem like it (points to husband) but my baby is crying!" Then she proceeds to walk over to both children and go "oh hello my babies...oh sorry I guess I need to say GRANDbabies". Like yes you actually do. It's not that hard. Anyway I'm proud of myself for finally saying it. It only took me 16 months to work up the courage
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29points
#6 My Mother In Law Will Not Shut Up About My Baby
According to her, my healthy 2 month old baby isn’t getting the right nutrition from me. I know back in the day babies got fed knockout bottles with cereal, Tylenol, milk, baby food, oatmeal, whatever they felt like putting in it.
She never just shuts up about me breastfeeding and constantly saying I should be doing rice cereal with breastmilk in a bottle instead of nursing. She says my baby’s doctor (who’s very old) is totally wrong and he needs to go back to school.
Anytime my baby fusses she says it’s bc I’m not doing cereal in the milk. She’s analyzing her poop saying it’s too runny it should be solid. She’s telling me my baby doesn’t need reflux meds and she’s over eating by nursing every 1.5-2 hours. I’m literally almost yanking the crying baby out of her arms.
Like what the hell is wrong with her?? Not to mention I heard her telling people that my baby does nothing but cry.
She never just shuts up about me breastfeeding and constantly saying I should be doing rice cereal with breastmilk in a bottle instead of nursing. She says my baby’s doctor (who’s very old) is totally wrong and he needs to go back to school.
Anytime my baby fusses she says it’s bc I’m not doing cereal in the milk. She’s analyzing her poop saying it’s too runny it should be solid. She’s telling me my baby doesn’t need reflux meds and she’s over eating by nursing every 1.5-2 hours. I’m literally almost yanking the crying baby out of her arms.
Like what the hell is wrong with her?? Not to mention I heard her telling people that my baby does nothing but cry.
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27points
#7 Ex In Law Wants Access To Grandchild
Just venting.
My ex MIL never respected me during my marriage. Her son cheated on me and she’s still all about her precious son who can do no wrong. He maybe sees our child once every 2 weeks for an hour. He has supervised visits with me only. Cancels on us often. Surely couldn’t even tell you what size clothes or diapers. I’m not sure how much he tells his mother about his involvement, but I’m guessing she has no idea how absent he is.
She’s known we got divorced for a few months now. I hadn’t heard from her. I expected maybe she’d reach out as soon as she found out. That might’ve been different for me. Now, I get a text begging me to let her know the baby, insinuating that I’m keeping her grandchild from her.. I’m angry she’d wait 9 months to want to be involved with this sweet innocent baby and make it out to be that I’m the bad guy?? I told her I don’t owe anyone a relationship with this child especially if they’ve been disrespectful of me in the past. I didn’t want to be nasty, my actual response didn’t sound nasty in any way, just facts. I reminded her that her son and I are civil, but he’s got some work to do as a parent. She certainly hasn’t earned any relationship with my child the way she’s acted.
My ex MIL never respected me during my marriage. Her son cheated on me and she’s still all about her precious son who can do no wrong. He maybe sees our child once every 2 weeks for an hour. He has supervised visits with me only. Cancels on us often. Surely couldn’t even tell you what size clothes or diapers. I’m not sure how much he tells his mother about his involvement, but I’m guessing she has no idea how absent he is.
She’s known we got divorced for a few months now. I hadn’t heard from her. I expected maybe she’d reach out as soon as she found out. That might’ve been different for me. Now, I get a text begging me to let her know the baby, insinuating that I’m keeping her grandchild from her.. I’m angry she’d wait 9 months to want to be involved with this sweet innocent baby and make it out to be that I’m the bad guy?? I told her I don’t owe anyone a relationship with this child especially if they’ve been disrespectful of me in the past. I didn’t want to be nasty, my actual response didn’t sound nasty in any way, just facts. I reminded her that her son and I are civil, but he’s got some work to do as a parent. She certainly hasn’t earned any relationship with my child the way she’s acted.
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26points
#8 Mother In Law Wants To Wear A "Beige Dress" To My Mariage Ceremony While Telling Me My Dress Doesn't Have To Be White?
My mother-in-law(61F) decided to wear an off-white dress to my(27F) civil ceremony day.
She emphasized that "it is beige" while she ADVISED that I "don't need a white dress" to wear for myself??????? She then sent me pictures of dresses that " I can choose from", they are all ugly colourful cocktail dresses.
Her dress looks like a dress that I can wear on MY mariage day, with the colour and lace-pattern. If you told me if it was a bridal dress for a beach wedding, I would be like: hell yeah you go BRIDE.
I feel weird about this, am I the one who is the problem here??? I'm honestly so confused about this.
When my fiancé(26M) told her that it's weird, she got defensive and sent a screenshot of the dress on the website and emphasized that " it is beige" and that my fiancé "needs glasses". Then, She went to the store this morning to snap a picture of her chosen dress and a random white dress, had them side by side, sent it to my fiancé and said : "See! It's beige, not white!!!!" I swear this woman is rage baiting me.
I initially posted this to a different community, the moderators removed it for some reason. It was suggested that this community would be a good place to share this.
Okay ladies, what's your take?!
She emphasized that "it is beige" while she ADVISED that I "don't need a white dress" to wear for myself??????? She then sent me pictures of dresses that " I can choose from", they are all ugly colourful cocktail dresses.
Her dress looks like a dress that I can wear on MY mariage day, with the colour and lace-pattern. If you told me if it was a bridal dress for a beach wedding, I would be like: hell yeah you go BRIDE.
I feel weird about this, am I the one who is the problem here??? I'm honestly so confused about this.
When my fiancé(26M) told her that it's weird, she got defensive and sent a screenshot of the dress on the website and emphasized that " it is beige" and that my fiancé "needs glasses". Then, She went to the store this morning to snap a picture of her chosen dress and a random white dress, had them side by side, sent it to my fiancé and said : "See! It's beige, not white!!!!" I swear this woman is rage baiting me.
I initially posted this to a different community, the moderators removed it for some reason. It was suggested that this community would be a good place to share this.
Okay ladies, what's your take?!
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26points
#9 New Baby
My MIL has always been overbearing. When we got married, my husband and I had to have a serious conversation with her about her basically bulldozing me as his wife. She would show up to our house with groceries every week, wanting to do the laundry, clean, cook, ext. I’m a housewife type and was confused why she thought it was necessary or never asked if we wanted that. She ended up very offended but accepted that I do those things for my husband now. She accepted the boundaries and we’ve been pretty cordial since.
Flash forward three years and we are having our first kid. I could tell she was buttering me up during the pregnancy with gifts / compliments ext. now that baby is here, she actually asked if she could come over EVERY DAY when I was two weeks post partum. I said absolutely not and we landed on once a week. Now when she’s here, she’s bulldozing me again and basically playing house with my baby, not wanting to give her back even when she’s crying for me. The problem is my baby is a total Velcro, quite colicky and is not having it so it’s stressful for both of us. I told her this blantantly, that I needed her to just give her back when she cries. Next visit she was still pestering me and pushing me on it. I could go into more detail about her being way too much and not having any regard for this being my first child, a vulnerable time, ext.
My husband is planning to tell her that for now visits are postponed and we’ll let her know when we feel ready. Is that an overreaction? Knowing she is coming every week gives me so much stress it keeps me up at night.
Flash forward three years and we are having our first kid. I could tell she was buttering me up during the pregnancy with gifts / compliments ext. now that baby is here, she actually asked if she could come over EVERY DAY when I was two weeks post partum. I said absolutely not and we landed on once a week. Now when she’s here, she’s bulldozing me again and basically playing house with my baby, not wanting to give her back even when she’s crying for me. The problem is my baby is a total Velcro, quite colicky and is not having it so it’s stressful for both of us. I told her this blantantly, that I needed her to just give her back when she cries. Next visit she was still pestering me and pushing me on it. I could go into more detail about her being way too much and not having any regard for this being my first child, a vulnerable time, ext.
My husband is planning to tell her that for now visits are postponed and we’ll let her know when we feel ready. Is that an overreaction? Knowing she is coming every week gives me so much stress it keeps me up at night.
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22points
#10 Mil Keeps Calling Me Fat
Pregnant 26/40 and my MIL and FIL keep calling me fat or commenting how big I’m getting, or how you can see my stomach and laughing. I always calmly say I don’t like that you say that it’s not nice but it’s really taking a toll on me and my mental health.
Husband (only child) says he’ll talk to them whenever I complain to him (he’s always not around when they say it).
It finally all blew up when she said to me “your bum is FAT it must be a boy!!” Laughs manically
He finally told her off (after I was full crying in the car) but now he’s upset because he’s had to tell her off and not talking to me. it’s really unpleasant at home and It’s making me really upset.
Husband (only child) says he’ll talk to them whenever I complain to him (he’s always not around when they say it).
It finally all blew up when she said to me “your bum is FAT it must be a boy!!” Laughs manically
He finally told her off (after I was full crying in the car) but now he’s upset because he’s had to tell her off and not talking to me. it’s really unpleasant at home and It’s making me really upset.
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21points
#11 Gtfo
Just remembered my MIL tried to open the door to my labor and delivery room while I was ACTIVELY in labor because she thought she heard a baby crying… she wasn’t even invited to the hospital yet
20points
#12 Mil Obsessed With Circumcision
I had my baby about 6 months ago now. We are no contact with mil as well. But I just don't get the obsession on what we do with our son's genitals. When I was pregnant my husband and I were firm on not circumcising our son, well mil was not happy. She was adamant that it was gross, dirty, what about when hes old, infections, etc. From our research the risks are very minimal for keeping him intaxlct so we stuck with our decision. She also tried to tell me not to vaccinate which to me made it even weirder imo bc they have to use local anesthesia anyways. (We also chose to vaccinate, went no contact before she could know) cut to when we brought him home, we were changing him and she happened to come in and seen and asked if his pediatrician could do it, im like we have made our decision very clear, why keep pushing and why do you even care what your grandsons genitals look like??
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19points
#13 I Didn't Let It Go Any Further After This
Long story short, I married someone with a bullying and controlling mother. We/he tried to make things work, but she wasn't budging. I ended up going therapy with my husband and his parents. When it became clear that his mother would never get it, we decided to bail. In our last (for husband and me) session, my husband read a letter he had written. I was given about 8 minutes left to say my piece. One of the things I mentioned was my MIL never coming to my home for tea when invited almost a year before. The reason?... (according to her). SHE DIDN'T HAVE MY ADDRESS!!!. We live about 8 blocks away from her and my FIL, and many other family members–INCLUDING HER OWN HUSBAND!–had dropped by for all kinds of reasons. I couldn't believe she was saying this out loud with 4 adults listening. Delusional? Moronic? Who knows! Neither I nor my son has seen her since.
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19points
#14 What Would You Do If Your Mil Stood At The Sink And Questioned Your Husband As To Why He Was Washing The Dishes Instead Of You?
For context, she was questioning him in their native language (I don't know if she would have tried that if English was her native language/if I spoke their native language).
I understood exactly what she was questioning him about as he was explaining and gesturing that my hands were covered with cracks from my eczema.
I understood exactly what she was questioning him about as he was explaining and gesturing that my hands were covered with cracks from my eczema.
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19points
#15 Christmas In July
I have a very very tumultuous relationship with my MIL. Without going too much into our history, I try to remain cordial and pleasant for the sake of our two toddler boys. Last weekend when she asked what we were doing this weekend and if she could spend the day with the boys over at her house (sometimes they pick them up on Saturday’s and spend a few hours) I told her this weekend we were celebrating Christmas in July. We put up a small tree and a few decorations and we had a big breakfast together. We wrapped up two small cars from dollar store whatever we were doing our own lil thing having ourselves a morning. Doesn’t she show up unannounced this morning with a kohls bag full of wrapped gifts?! I went in the bathroom and sobbed. It’s like I can’t do anything in my life without her inserting herself or making it about her. I’m gutted tbh.
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18points
#16 Mil Keeps Making Comments About My Weight
I know this probably sounds small compared to some posts here but I’m so tired of it. We had dinner with my in laws this weekend and MIL kept trying to get me to drink more wine. I said I was good a few times and she kept doing the it’s just one glass thing. I’m in my 40s and wine just does not hit the same anymore. Too much and I wake up feeling heavy, foggy and gross the next day. I’ve been trying to be better about it and have a little routine now so I don’t feel like trash after one normal dinner.
The next morning we were back at their house and she looks at me and goes you look tired and swollen. Then she points at her own chin and says mine is starting to look fuller. I just stared at her because what are you even supposed to say to that before coffee?? This is not the first time either. She comments on my stomach, my face, what I eat, what I drink and how I used to look. It’s always said in this fake casual way like she’s just chatting. DH told her to stop talking about my body and she acted like we were making it a whole thing. Now I feel stupid because I’m sitting here thinking about my chin when the real issue is that she feels way too comfortable inspecting my body. I don’t want to sit through dinner wondering if one glass of wine or one plate of food is going to turn into a comment the next day. How do you even respond to this stuff without giving her the reaction she clearly wants?
The next morning we were back at their house and she looks at me and goes you look tired and swollen. Then she points at her own chin and says mine is starting to look fuller. I just stared at her because what are you even supposed to say to that before coffee?? This is not the first time either. She comments on my stomach, my face, what I eat, what I drink and how I used to look. It’s always said in this fake casual way like she’s just chatting. DH told her to stop talking about my body and she acted like we were making it a whole thing. Now I feel stupid because I’m sitting here thinking about my chin when the real issue is that she feels way too comfortable inspecting my body. I don’t want to sit through dinner wondering if one glass of wine or one plate of food is going to turn into a comment the next day. How do you even respond to this stuff without giving her the reaction she clearly wants?
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17points
#17 Old Story About My Ex Mil Being Cruel To My Child
My sweet little son was in first grade and had to sell something for a fundraiser. I took him to my inlaws and my son rang the doorbell and my mil answered. He came back to me so deflated because my mil told him no and they she just bought something from the neighbor boy. She wouldn’t even spend $5 on my son to help him and support him. It literally broke my heart when I realized how much they hurt my son.
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17points
#18 She Demanded Disposable Hand Towels Then Saved Them For Reuse
My JNMIL came for an overnight a few months ago and decided my hand towel in the powder room was unacceptable. (I have three bathrooms). She said I needed to put out disposable hand towels. I declined since we only had her visiting. She then went to kitchen, took paper towels, cut them in half, and put them in the hand towels tray. Fast forward we have her plus a small group. I put out the disposable hand towels. She used hers, then hung it up to dry on the towel bar (the one for real towels). I … just … can’t
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15points
#19 “I Haven’t Looked Forward To My Birthday Since My Parents Decided The Gym Was More Important”
I hate MIL. I thought I was past hating her bc I’ve gone NC, but then SO said this to me this morning while we were talking about his upcoming birthday. And now I’m upset with him too.
He moved here in 2019. I’ve been doing everything I can -in person now- to make his birthday special. They’ve never treated his birthday as something to celebrate. Besides the title comment, another year they made an off-handed remark, which SO turned into “they’re going to treat me to a birthday dinner surprise!” and turned down MULTIPLE offers from friends ALL DAY. The day ended with his mother coming up at midnight and tossing a hastily-written birthday card at him. I was so heartbroken for him. What absolute wastes of space.
And then he said that to me this morning. What the hell am I supposed to do with that. I had something big in mind for his birthday this year too, since it’ll be the last year before we have two kids in the house, and everything will really be locked down for a while.
I guess the second his new job’s health insurance kicks in, I’m asking him to go back to therapy. But ever since he said that to me, it just makes me feel like nothing I did mattered.
And I can guarantee that for his birthday, there’s going to be ANOTHER giant MoonPig card with the same sentiment as the other bday cards - featuring messages like “You’re so lucky to have us as parents”.
F*ck you, Papercuts.
He moved here in 2019. I’ve been doing everything I can -in person now- to make his birthday special. They’ve never treated his birthday as something to celebrate. Besides the title comment, another year they made an off-handed remark, which SO turned into “they’re going to treat me to a birthday dinner surprise!” and turned down MULTIPLE offers from friends ALL DAY. The day ended with his mother coming up at midnight and tossing a hastily-written birthday card at him. I was so heartbroken for him. What absolute wastes of space.
And then he said that to me this morning. What the hell am I supposed to do with that. I had something big in mind for his birthday this year too, since it’ll be the last year before we have two kids in the house, and everything will really be locked down for a while.
I guess the second his new job’s health insurance kicks in, I’m asking him to go back to therapy. But ever since he said that to me, it just makes me feel like nothing I did mattered.
And I can guarantee that for his birthday, there’s going to be ANOTHER giant MoonPig card with the same sentiment as the other bday cards - featuring messages like “You’re so lucky to have us as parents”.
F*ck you, Papercuts.
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14points
#20 They Want The Kids For 2 Nights
My kids sleep over and MIL and FIL’s house one night every school holidays. This school holidays they didn’t see the kids at all so now want to do a 2 night sleep over next holidays but I am against it. They have been pushing for 2 nights since the kids were babies but I’ve said no. Now they’ve announced their plans to the kids and my husband without speaking with me. I found out second hand. Am I overreacting? I don’t want to be separated from my kids for more than a night and I feel like my feelings are never respected. They certainly don’t respect my parenting rules so I don’t like the kids to be around them for too long anyway. Would you put your foot down or allow it to go ahead?
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13points