Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a mom to 3 boys this makes me feel so, so sad.

What does this have to do with you? Are you emotionally mature? Do you treat your sons with respect? Do you plan to continue respecting them and their families into adulthood? Do you plan to be manipulative to get your way?

No? Then why are you sad for yourself?

Anonymous wrote:Yes. I would tell my husband. I see no reason to keep the info from him.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to tell him. This is very strange behavior and he needs to know.

And I know he’ll ask you if you’re sure if it’s her. Did you happen to take a picture?

OP here. I did! My main concern is that this is some sort of manipulation attempt to get him to reach out. She has done this in the past, feigning medical emergencies, etc. I theorize she believes we have a working camera and may notice her and reach out asking why, or maybe hopes a neighbor notices and asks? Does that make sense?

If there was a real issue or emergency, wouldn’t she or someone else reach out to DH? It just feels manipulative somehow, I just know her too well.

No, it doesn’t make sense. Why would she think it likely that if you had a camera, it would pick her up PARKED ACROSS THE STREET? Wouldn’t she expect any cameras to be focused on your own home? Do you make a habit of spying on your neighbors. While it is possible your neighbor might ask why she keeps parking in front of their house, sitting in a car and looking around is hardly feigning a medical emergency.

I think it far more likely that she loves and misses her son, but is trying to respect his wish for no contact. By coming during the day when you and your neighbors are unlikely to be present, and staying in her car on public property, she can reassure herself that your family seems to be doing okay, without intruding on you at all. It’s hard to imagine how she plans on manipulating you when she seems to be avoiding your attention.

I do think you should tell your husband, because I believe a married couple should always be open and honest without secrets between them. I would hope, however, that you would consider the possibility that her motives are less sinister than the conspiracy theories you’ve imagined and present the data to him as neutrally as possible, allowing him to interpret them for himself. Of course, if he asks for your opinion, you should be open and honest about that as well. I obviously don’t have the context of experience that you do and may be completely wrong, maybe she is scheming to bring drama back into your lives. I have no way of knowing if your conclusions are right or wrong; I just think you should consider all possibilities.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You have to tell him. This is very strange behavior and he needs to know.

And I know he’ll ask you if you’re sure if it’s her. Did you happen to take a picture?

OP here. I did! My main concern is that this is some sort of manipulation attempt to get him to reach out. She has done this in the past, feigning medical emergencies, etc. I theorize she believes we have a working camera and may notice her and reach out asking why, or maybe hopes a neighbor notices and asks? Does that make sense?

If there was a real issue or emergency, wouldn’t she or someone else reach out to DH? It just feels manipulative somehow, I just know her too well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.

This is what I truly believe. I just know her to well to believe it could be anything else.

Of course you do. This sounds like a lot of manufactured drama over an elderly woman supposedly parking in front of your house. And you sit there daily peeping out the window, too scared to just walk out and say hello and ask her what she's doing.

I’m sure you’re trolling but as I said, it’s been two days and I’m sick. I also didn’t want to get involved, but it’s now too bizarre to ignore, especially if she comes today. I have no problem going out to her, but I don’t know if it’s my place. That’s all.

Baloney. Get off your ass and go ask her. What a chicken you are.

Ok lol I’ll get on it

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.

This is what I truly believe. I just know her to well to believe it could be anything else.

Of course you do. This sounds like a lot of manufactured drama over an elderly woman supposedly parking in front of your house. And you sit there daily peeping out the window, too scared to just walk out and say hello and ask her what she's doing.

I’m sure you’re trolling but as I said, it’s been two days and I’m sick. I also didn’t want to get involved, but it’s now too bizarre to ignore, especially if she comes today. I have no problem going out to her, but I don’t know if it’s my place. That’s all.

Baloney. Get off your ass and go ask her. What a chicken you are.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.

This is what I truly believe. I just know her to well to believe it could be anything else.

Of course you do. This sounds like a lot of manufactured drama over an elderly woman supposedly parking in front of your house. And you sit there daily peeping out the window, too scared to just walk out and say hello and ask her what she's doing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.

This is what I truly believe. I just know her to well to believe it could be anything else.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a mom to 3 boys this makes me feel so, so sad.

What does this have to do with you? Are you emotionally mature? Do you treat your sons with respect? Do you plan to continue respecting them and their families into adulthood? Do you plan to be manipulative to get your way?

No? Then why are you sad for yourself?

I am and I do. Even if this MIL is emotionally immature and manipulative she still likely loves them. I am not saying this is normal or ok. Just sad. Makes me feel sad to think of not being in touch with my kids and their families (even though they are only in hs and college now.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.

Why? Doing something you wouldn’t normally do is the exact same.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a mom to 3 boys this makes me feel so, so sad.

What does this have to do with you? Are you emotionally mature? Do you treat your sons with respect? Do you plan to continue respecting them and their families into adulthood? Do you plan to be manipulative to get your way?

No? Then why are you sad for yourself?

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.

Anonymous wrote:This is manipulation and a form of control. Don’t give her the power she wants. Do some exciting things she can see like plant flowers when it’s warmer so she can see life goes on without her.