Anonymous wrote:Be glad. My in-laws are currently trying to unload piles of crap on all of us. Whenever we say "sorry, we don't have room" or "sorry, we can't use that" they act as if we are rejecting artifacts from an imperial dynasty.
No one wants those "collectibles" you ordered from TV 30 years ago.
Anonymous wrote:Just say thank you and throw the crap out after she leaves. I never worry about what anyone else is getting. I wouldn't even give the shit to my kids at all.
Anonymous wrote:You cannot change the family dynamic. It was established before you and your presence as an outsider only reinforces the MIL. The only single thing you and your husband can do is let go. The MIL and daughter are involved in establishing control over the inferiors in the family. This is the only way they can be superior is by self selection. By displaying wants and needs that they can refuse, you give them power. Just let go. Stop wanting. Stop needing. They are incapable of giving. Once you can step back and view them dispassionately, you will see all the maneuvering they engage in to make sure you know your place is beneath them. They will never change, but they will miss you licking their feet.