Share

You cant choose yourfamily.

We also asked how her relationship with her mother-in-law is today.

I just mostly avoid her.

Article image

So the distance is understood at this point… And thankfully, TurtedHen appreciated the replies that her post received.

Finally, the OP provided some wise words for anyone else who has difficult in-laws.

Stand by your boundaries, and dont let them work their way around them with manipulative niceness.

Elderly woman in yellow coat smiling and waving from a car window, representing the unannounced visit theme.

If you give an inch, theyll take a mile, guaranteed.

But unfortunately, thats not the case for everyone.

First, you may want to determine what exactly the issue is with your in-law.

Mother-in-law arrives unannounced, causing family tension over unexpected visit.

Is she entitled, critical, toxic, needy, etc.?

If shes always around and doesnt respect your boundaries, thats not a good sign.

First, its important to set boundaries and enforce them.

Text describing a brother’s stroke and care needs, highlighting mom’s stress from MIL’s unexpected visits.

You should also consider where her behavior is coming from if that will help you empathize with her.

Just because shes treating you poorly doesnt mean it’s crucial that you sink to her level.

And make a run at figure outhow toanticipate your mother-in-laws actions.

Text discussing a mom’s decision about not allowing her MIL to stay when she visits unannounced.

Check out the results:

Text about mom’s reaction to MIL visiting unexpectedly, feeling overwhelmed.

Text from husband about MIL’s unannounced visit after wife’s long work shift.

Stressed mom leaning against the wall in frustration, hand on her face.

Text about MIL visit discussing extended stay due to unused vacation time.

Text message expressing frustration about mother-in-law’s unannounced visit, stressing the need for her to stay in a hotel.

Text screenshot discussing a canceled visit and rescheduling due to COVID.

Text expressing frustration with MIL visiting unannounced, causing stress and anger.

Text block about a mom’s frustration with her MIL’s unannounced visit, expressing annoyance and avoidance.

Online discussion about setting boundaries with a difficult mother-in-law.

Reddit discussion about unannounced MIL visit during COVID, highlighting frustrations.

Text exchange discussing mom’s frustration with MIL’s unannounced visit.

Reddit comment discussing a mom’s frustration with her MIL arriving unannounced, leading to household tension.

Reddit comment discussion about a mom dealing with an unannounced visit from MIL.

Text conversation about mom refusing MIL’s unannounced visit, highlighting stress and frustration.

Reddit comments discussing a mother-in-law showing up unannounced, with users sharing thoughts on handling the situation.

Reddit conversation with users discussing an unannounced mother-in-law visit and its challenges.

Reddit comments discussing unannounced MIL visits and family boundaries.

Elderly woman standing with arms crossed on a forest path, expressing frustration.

Hand making a stop gesture, illustrating boundary-setting in family dynamics.

Text post discussing issues with mother-in-law showing up unannounced, causing disruption at home.

Text exchange about refusing unannounced visits from mother-in-law.

Comment discussing a mom’s frustration with MIL showing up unannounced and refusing to let her stay.

Reddit comment discussing assertiveness and setting boundaries with a book recommendation.

Text exchange about MIL’s unplanned visit and hotel room chaos.

Comment expressing frustration about MIL showing up unannounced amidst COVID concerns.

Text exchange discussing conflict with mother-in-law showing up unannounced, seeking to stay without asking.

Text comment about MIL offering help, suggesting making her a chore and grocery list.

Text about mom’s frustration with MIL for showing up unannounced.