This is exactly what kept happening to a woman who was stuck getting gifts for her finickymother-in-law.

Since her husband wanted no part in it, everything fell on her shoulders.

Apart from complaining about pretty much everything, she also made an incredible fuss when it came to receivinggifts.

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To understand how best to deal with in-laws like this,Bored Pandareached out toMarie Morin.

We asked Marie what exactly folks can do when faced withtoxic in-laws.

She said that one should communicate clearly.

Family gathered in a cozy living room during the holidays, capturing a warm interaction and festive spirit.

If its possible, have a polite and honest talk.

Set boundaries and decide whats okay and whats not and explain these limits in a respectful but firm way.

You cant control others actions, but you’ve got the option to control your reactions.

Text asking if a MIL is rude, discussing family harmony and challenges with getting along.

Take care of your mental health and avoid unnecessaryfights.

All of this definitely got on the OPs nerves, and she felt unsure of what to do.

The posters husband didnt take a stand against his mom.

Text message discussing gift challenges with mother-in-law, questioning her preferences.

Therapist Marie Morinexplained that in situations like this, the spouse has a key part to play.

She said its important for them to support their partner.

Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings.

Text example of a mother-in-law rejecting gift items, questioning her daughter-in-law’s choices.

Show them youre on the same team.

Talk to your family respectfully to ensure your partner is treated fairly.

Clearly tell your family whats okay and whats not, and ensure these rules are followed.

Woman in red suit checking a gift with a blue ribbon while holding a green notebook.

Aim for peace and respect for all sides.

Protect your partner without escalating conflicts, she shared.

Her not being satisfied with your gift says a lot about her.

Text exchange questioning woman’s relationship with rude mother-in-law over dismissive gift response.

You could just buy her a scarf every year with a gift receipt and let hercomplain, she added.

Folks also shared some extremely clever ideas with the woman on how to get the one-up on her mother-in-law.

Do you have any clever tricks the woman could use to combat her mom-in-laws toxicity?

Text discussing a woman’s frustrations with her mother-in-law’s lack of interest in gifts and activities.

Text image discussing scenarios of ending up with unwanted purchases.

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Text describing a woman’s experience with a demanding mother-in-law during holidays, reflecting on household dynamics.

Text screenshot about a woman reflecting on her relationship with a demanding mother-in-law.

Text discussing whether honesty about gifts is polite or rude, highlighting a dilemma faced by a woman with her MIL.

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Text-based image of a comment questioning a husband’s decision to have his wife find a gift for a difficult mother-in-law.

Text discussing a woman questioning her relationship with a rude mother-in-law.

Text exchange discussing strategy with a rude mother-in-law and a woman questioning herself.

Comment discussing a woman questioning decisions in a rude MIL situation.

Text message about dealing with rude mother-in-law, suggesting a solution.

Comment criticizing a woman’s rude behavior towards a gift.