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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My MIL does this, too. She also once told me she envied me because I had a pretty sling carrier for when my daughter was a baby and "you always have beautiful things." It made me feel a little sad because I know it comes from a place of feeling less than (which she shouldn't!).

I think one reason the MIL relationship is often fraught is that MILs are often going through a challenging time in their lives (menopause, aging, losing friends and family and spouses, dealing with their own health issues) and they may look at their DIL as a reminder of everything they wish they had or feel like they've lost. Now, that's not really fair to a DIL, but it's also a pretty understandable attitude.

Anyway, I just assume my MIL is staring at me because she's working through those feelings. I try to be nice to her but also maintain my own boundaries. It's a bit of a dance at times. But I do think I'm doing better with the empathy thing since my FIL passed away. Anyway, sorry OP -- being stared at is not fun and I wish your MIL would stop. But I doubt it's malicious. And I guarantee it's much more about her than you.[/quote]

LOL, your MIL's probably staring at you because she's hoping she didn't act like you when she was younger.  I'm not a MIL or old enough to be a MIL, but sometimes, I can't believe the young women I encounter and cringe that I may have been so tone deaf in my younger years.

BTW, please don't pretend that you have empathy when it's really pity.[/quote]

PP here. I don’t pity my MIL but I do pity you. Projecting much?[/quote]

Like I said, your MIL's watching you and is horrified, but you keep telling yourself it's because she's jealous and working through her feelings, lol.  If you ever develop any self-awareness and maturity, you'll be horrified at yourself, too.  But, I'm doubting that will happen.   :D [/quote]

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