My DIL is a lazy child - what to do

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not a fan of my MIL. She's whiny, manipulative, and needy. But, she's DH's mother and he loves her, as does my DC. So, I smile, make polite conversation and, if necessary, drink wine.

It's not rocket science. You don't have to like her (or vice versa) but absent some terrible wrong done to you, you just need to be a grown-up. That means being polite and respectful. It's not really that difficult. I'm fairly sure my MIL has no idea that I don't particularly care for her.

As for specific suggestions, no need to give in to her rudeness. If she texts during a conversation, just continue the conversation without her. Don't huff or puff or make a big show of pausing. If she was talking and stops mid-sentence just turn to someone else and ask them about their day. There is lots of middle ground between doing nothing and calling her out.

As for the drama, try to see the humor in it. My best friend is a huge drama queen. Always has been, since we were kids. Even now that we're grown, she still finds the drama. I love it - her stories are super entertaining. Way better than most of my friend's mundane every day life stories. Just listen and marvel at the crazy.

+1 this is good advice

+2

Stop taking it personally and just enjoy the show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does she work, OP?

Op here. She works part time at home. It started as full time but " everyone was so stupid" she couldn't take it anymore so they allowed her to go part time. She's a smart girl and does the job well, but is fairly judgmental and this way no one has to deal with her.

Thanks everyone for reminding me to just smile and be polite. I usually try to just make small talk but for some reason she just really got to me tonight. Maybe I'm just extra hormonal ?

Pot meet kettle. (with regards to calling her judgmental)