But for oneMumsnetforum user, a once-warm bond with her sons wife has become brittle and cold.

But she didnt want to escalate things and hoped they would subside.

So shes asking the internet if she herself should initiate it.

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Some partly blame the historical formation of heterosexual family structures for the trope of the meddling mother-in-law.

Moreover, two-thirds of daughters-in-law felt that their husbands mother frequently exhibited jealous, maternal love towards their son.

Check out the results:

Woman looking thoughtful out the window, dressed in a patterned sweater, pondering her daughter-in-law’s secrecy.

Confused woman wonders why polite daughter-in-law became secretive; text explains their relationship dynamic.

Text discussing changes in behavior after a daughter-in-law’s pregnancy announcement.

Text excerpt discussing changes in daughter-in-law’s behavior, focusing on being polite and secretive.

Pregnant woman in white clothing touching her belly, focusing on secrecy and relationships.

Text discussing secretive relationship changes between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law.

Text about mother-in-law relationship dynamics, describing unequal visit frequency and babysitting requests.

Text discussing daughter-in-law’s role at home and challenges in arranging visits.

Woman in white shirt looking thoughtful by a window, symbolizing changing dynamics with daughter-in-law.

Text screenshot about a woman’s concerns regarding her distant daughter-in-law.

Text about daughter-in-law being secretive with mother-in-law over baby nap habits and banana cake.

Text conversation about confusion regarding daughter-in-law’s behavior shift.

Woman and daughter-in-law sharing coffee, smiling and having a polite conversation in a cozy setting.

Discussion about daughter-in-law’s sudden secretive behavior, seeking advice on confronting the issue tactfully.

Two forum posts discussing relationship dynamics between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Text conversation discussing reasons for daughter-in-law’s shift from polite to secretive behavior towards mother-in-law.

Text exchange discussing mother-in-law’s confusion over daughter-in-law’s behavior change.

Reddit post discussing a mother-in-law’s confusion over her daughter-in-law’s change in behavior.

Online advice about daughter-in-law becoming secretive, suggesting communication with son.

Text conversation addressing daughter-in-law’s secretive behavior towards her mother-in-law.

Text response discussing why daughter-in-law is secretive, addressing relationship concerns.

Text message discussing interpersonal dynamics between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, mentioning family preferences.

Text discussing daughter-in-law’s change from polite to secretive, suggesting conflict and mental load in family dynamics.

Text exchange discussing a woman’s concerns about her daughter-in-law becoming secretive.

Comment criticizing daughter-in-law’s behavior, suggesting ulterior motives for change in attitude.

Text message discussing possible reasons a daughter-in-law became secretive.

Text explaining changes in energy levels over time affecting social interactions with in-laws.

Comment discussing a mother-in-law relationship, emphasizing a preference for personal childcare over external help.