I argued with my mother twice within 24 hours of seeing her. I was ready to go back home the day after Christmas.

Shorter trips, like everyone else suggested. 7-10 straight days is A LOT of time together for anyone.

OMG I could never make it to day 4 with my mom. Our eruption usually comes on day 2. Single overnights only!!!

Midpoint tension. This happens on vacations (without in-laws) too.

I can't last 3 days with my mom. They live in NY. We usually only stay 1-2 nights and we split it up with friends or hotel in Manhattan. Best for everyone.

3 days with mom, and the rest in a hotel.

But want to say one thing: I always was in a fight with my mom by the time I was leaving. I realized that she picked a fight with me, or got mad at me over something, because it's easier to let someone you love go away from you (back to the east coast, or wherever) when you are mad at them. When you are mad, you are too busy being mad to be sad or lonely.

So I think my mom was getting mad at me at the end so she wouldn't get lonely or sad when I was leaving. See if this figures in your situation. Good luck!

My husband has a three day window with his mom. The longest we stay is 3 nights/4 days

What do you fight about? What are the issues?

Simple. Leave on Day 3.

That happens with me too. It takes a few days to adjust to what she's like, then you get in a fight a couple days before you have to leave. When you fight, then you should think how it's good you only will be there a couple more days and you can leave without being sad.

Op can you do 3 days at your moms, 3 days mini vacation, then last 2 days with your mom? Break it up and plan something fun while out visiting?

Same here. My mother and I always fight when she has been here, too long. And she wonders why I rarely visit her. Thanksgiving was horrible.

Yes, fish and houseguests stink after 3 days.

I think we'll all have the same wisdom which is to plan for three-day visits going forward. What's the saying? "Both fish and houseguests start to stink after three days."

I love my mom dearly and live quite a distance from her currently. Whenever we see each other yearly for 7-10 days it always seems like a great thing and it is, but by day 4-5 we really can't stand each other. It makes me sad and I know her too. It's been this way the past few years. Every single time. Does anyone please have words of wisdom? Please help!