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I would like a normal MIL.

Bradymom's picture

My husband just asked me if I think I will ever be able to have a normal relationship with his mom.

A brief history. She's a hoarder. I'm not. She, before we limited her from coming to our home, she would take things from the trash, hide things throughout our house, took one of my children at her birthday party from the guests & had her open her gifts with just MIL present, told my step kid that I don't care about memories that were made before I was in their lives, told my husband & I she wants to be included in all decisions of our family bc she's known him & kids longer than I have, etc etc etc.
the list is huge. With this said... Age says she likes me, thinks I'm great for her son & all that. I truly believe she does like me but I also believe she has no boundaries & feels loved & important when she is able to push people into doing what they have said No to.

Because of these behaviors we had a sit down meeting to discuss boundaries. These are the boundaries:
1. Ask us if you want to do something (don't send passive aggressive texts beating around the bush to get an invite or make us feel guilt about something you weren't included in)
2. Don't stir up or work up the kids to do something we have told you No to.
3. No pop in visits. No taking things from trash etc.
4. Support us in our role as decision makers for our home & not fight against it.
5. No coming to our home until these boundaries become fluid.
6. We will see you at least once a month & more if visits go well.

Are these boundaries too much? She says she can't follow them!!! How can I have a normal relationship with someone who isn't normal? These are not things you have to tell people!!! Most people do this. Ugh.

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Bradymom's picture

She was an at home mom. There's other children. She says my husband is her "kindred spirit" tho. And it just so happens her other kindred spirit is one if my step kids!!!

Bradymom's picture

Thank you DH has suggested counseling to her directly one time in an angry text & another time seriously & compassionately. He has also talked to his dad about it. They are not interest. Not one bit.