9 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Mother-In-Law
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Relationships with in-laws can be quite complicated. Everything would be perfect at one moment, but one wrong word or an inappropriate action can implode the relationship in seconds. One such relationship is the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law equation. Has your mother-in-law made you lose your cool recently? Have you had arguments with her in your head, long after she’s gone? Have you wondered about all those things you will tell her, unfiltered, if you can?
If that is the case, you might have a lot of bottled-up feelings within you. You have kept it all inside for too long, but you feel that you might explode the next time she gives a snarky remark that wasn’t needed. But, you probably won’t. One reason might be that you don’t want to make things worse. Also, keeping all the bickering aside, you do respect her.
However, if you ever muster up the courage to open up unfiltered in front of her, here is a list of 9 things you could probably tell her.
1. Please Let Us Know Before You Drop In
It is not because you aren’t welcome at our home. But, the way you’d like to be in your best shape when we visit, I’d like the same privilege too. You are family, but being caught when the kids are running around in a frenzy and I look messier than ever, will still be embarrassing. Also, be prepared if we request you to reschedule as we might have other plans.
2. Those Remarks Can Hurt Me
Your passive-aggressive comments can really hurt my feelings, more often than I would want it to. And, those not-so-subtle remarks can make me feel edgy and nervous around you. This is why you might notice me avoid those situations completely.
3. I Can Choose To Feed My Baby Differently
Whether I continue to breastfeed my baby or switch to feeding with a bottle should be my choice. The more important thing is that our toddler is well-fed. And, I want you to understand that I have obviously done some research before making this choice. I just want you to respect that.
4. Comparisons Never Help
Comparing your grandchild with other children of his/her age will not do any good. Please don’t do that. Your neighbor’s child might have started walking or talking earlier than your grandchild, but don’t hold on to that. Every child is unique and there is no need to compete.
5. Your Advice Is Appreciated But Please Don’t Impose It
It is always helpful to get a little advice, especially when it comes to the years of experience you have. But, I might decide to do things differently in certain situations. Please don’t take offense.
6. If You Feel Something, Tell Me About It
If you have any complaints or you felt bad about something I did or said, please don’t hold it inside. I know I have a few flaws and I have offended you at times. But, don’t write me off as ungrateful. Bring it up when we both are alone and I promise you that I will try to improve.
7. Don’t Worry So Much
Please do not get scared with each flood alert, disease-related news, plane crash, or road accident. Do not spend time worrying about us unnecessarily. What is meant to happen will happen.
8. Yes, I Am The One Who Buys All Your Gifts
Be it your birthday, the anniversary, or that Mother’s Day gifts, all of which you’ve loved so much, I’m the one who gets them. In fact, your son even forgets these important dates at times, let alone buy a gift. But, let us pretend that he does and that you love his gifts.
9. Please Accept Me The Way I Am
You are not perfect and neither am I. It can be very tiring to keep trying to impress someone. We grew up in different households and are different from each other. But, please accept me as a whole, and don’t try to change me.
We all aspire to have an ideal relationship with our mother-in-law, and maybe, this list will help you figure out how to bridge that gap. All the best!
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