Find things to talk about that interest them. Do they like NASCAR? Ask them questions about it. Get them to tell you their favorite fishing story or their ideal truck or whatever it is they're interested in.

Sure, you'll be bored out of your mind, but they will appreciate the fact that you tried to bond with them and didn't look down on their interests as being too beneath you.

I've been in this situation, dealing with uber religious, uneducated and unworldly folks like this. And I've felt this way too. However, I've matured and become classier in the process, at least I hope. I wish you the same, OP. It's a liberating place to be. You will come across as more educated and classier if you become more accepting. You may even discover you have more in common than you think.

I have some in laws who are not the sharpest tools in the shed and can basically carry on a conversation about maybe 1-2 topics. Just smile, nod, ask polite questions and remember it's not like you have to spend every weekend with people you don't really enjoy. Maybe bring some board games or other activities.

Anonymous wrote:Make up a drinking game -- that's what I am doing to make it through the holidays.

Yes, every time someone says, "blessed", you drink.

Take solace in the fact that they are not biologically related to your DH. Check the forecast because it sounds like you can only talk about the weather with these people.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, c'mon, the situation the OP is describing has got to be weird and uncomfortable. How about some practical tips for her?

I would say to find little things to look forward to, little ways to escape here and there by taking a nap or running and errand, and thinking of this as something you do for your DH.

Because snobbery doesn't get rewarded.

I re-read OP's post. I couldn't find anything saying these people were mean or racist or rude to her. The only thing they're "guilty" of is being adopted, religious, poor financial planners, lacking a college education and from the south.

They are low class and stupid (they make poor life choices at the very least). OP is educated.

Sounds like a good reality show. Bring some popcorn.

We have to be with them for 4 days.

You should be giving more details about this - this is what is important.
Are you staying in the same place? You don't need to.
You can shorten the time you're together.
Your husband can spend more time with them - it's his sister.

Anonymous wrote:You and your husband are allegedly "educated," yet you write like a 14 year old?

OP, I think you got robbed. You could also use a mirror.

Yes. OP, I think you mean she's a wack job, not a whack job, unless she kills people.

Make up a drinking game -- that's what I am doing to make it through the holidays.

Anonymous wrote:Oh, c'mon, the situation the OP is describing has got to be weird and uncomfortable. How about some practical tips for her?

I would say to find little things to look forward to, little ways to escape here and there by taking a nap or running and errand, and thinking of this as something you do for your DH.

Yes, perceiving and treating her as a fellow human being is a real labor of love; your DH should be so touched.. Gimme a f-ing break.

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'm a horrible snob too, according to some PPs. I have similar in-laws, and I just cannot bear to be around them. Now my ILs are downright MEAN, which is much, much harder to take than the sweet and dumb SIL that OP is describing.

I'd just limit your time with them, OP. Make an agreement with your DH about how much time you will spend with them and stick to it. Nod your head and listen, and don't make any comments, other than to smile now and then and make supportive sounds. Then have your DH pack you up and leave.

I have a solid agreement with my DH that I will not spend more than 2 hours with his family. I tap my watch, stand up, and we scram. Otherwise, I'd have to be fully medicated to endure them. Even so, their harshness is so grating that it gives me migraines.

Best of luck to you, OP.

Makes all the difference in the world, PP. Perhaps you have an excuse, but OP certainly does not, based on her post. Now she may pull the classic "oh but SIL is really mean too" except that we won't believe her.

Anonymous wrote:Oh, c'mon, the situation the OP is describing has got to be weird and uncomfortable. How about some practical tips for her?

I would say to find little things to look forward to, little ways to escape here and there by taking a nap or running and errand, and thinking of this as something you do for your DH.

Because snobbery doesn't get rewarded.

I re-read OP's post. I couldn't find anything saying these people were mean or racist or rude to her. The only thing they're "guilty" of is being adopted, religious, poor financial planners, lacking a college education and from the south.

OP - I do think you're being harsh. You said yourself she's really nice. Your SIL sounds similar to mine - a hot mess in life, divorced, two kids, makes bad consumer choices (fancy new car but needs ILs money for month to month support of house/childcare expenses. The big difference though is that she's mean. She's mean-spirited and not a truthful person. If she weren't this way, I would forgive her anything. Give your SIL a break.

I guess I'm a horrible snob too, according to some PPs. I have similar in-laws, and I just cannot bear to be around them. Now my ILs are downright MEAN, which is much, much harder to take than the sweet and dumb SIL that OP is describing.

I'd just limit your time with them, OP. Make an agreement with your DH about how much time you will spend with them and stick to it. Nod your head and listen, and don't make any comments, other than to smile now and then and make supportive sounds. Then have your DH pack you up and leave.

I have a solid agreement with my DH that I will not spend more than 2 hours with his family. I tap my watch, stand up, and we scram. Otherwise, I'd have to be fully medicated to endure them. Even so, their harshness is so grating that it gives me migraines.

Best of luck to you, OP.