Dear Abby: My mother-in-law says I’m ‘an awful human being’

Dear Abby Reader: My relationship with my mother-in-law has been difficult throughout the nine years I have been married to her daughter. She has often been hurtful, saying things like, “You’re not welcome [in her house].” Despite everything, she has never accepted me.

Recently, she disrespected the boundaries my wife and I set for her visit. We asked her to keep things light and simply enjoy lunch with us, but she started insisting my wife should apologize to her niece over a minor misunderstanding. When I asked her to leave, she began crying and said,

“I’m so disappointed that my first-born married such an awful human being.”

Advice from Abby: It’s clear there is mutual dislike between you and your mother-in-law. While she was wrong to cross boundaries and criticize your wife at lunch, you might have gone too far by asking her to leave. Depending on how close your wife wants her relationship with her mother to be, the three of you might consider family therapy sessions if all are willing.

Additional Note

I was invited to witness the birth of my great-grandchild and accepted. I was informed that if my granddaughter did not give birth by the 14th of the month, the doctor would induce labor that day. I forgot that labor could begin at any time.

Author’s summary: Navigating difficult in-law relationships requires clear boundaries, empathy, and sometimes professional help to maintain family harmony.

PennLive.com — 2025-11-04

Dear Abby: My mother-in-law says I’m ‘an awful human being’

Additional Note

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