I have posted on this forum previously about my SIL with which I have a strained relationship. ( my husbands only siblings wife ). My husbands mother is elderly and quite the manipulator. She is "working" on my husband to invite SIL,brother and MIL to our home next weekend for my dd birthday. They live about 3 hrs away. Problem is, we just don't get along with SIL and it is VERY strained. We would prefer she doesn't come and my dd could care less as she does not have a relationship with SIL. MIL is saying things like " I don't want to die with my two sons estranged" and " my heart is breaking and my life is over". We have no problem with brother--he's a great guy married to a not so nice girl but that is his problem. I believe my MIL has her own agenda and is trying to control my husband with her high drama. I try to explain this to him but it is his mother, manipulations and all. We would like to stay firm as we just don't want SIL in the house, she is aloof and doesn't hesitate to throw out criticism--even directed at our kids. Last time she was here, she told me my 11 year old was fat and asked me how I think she will ever get a man like she is now!!!!!! She's 11!!!
I can tell my husband is torn and has be a victim of this manipulation all his life. I try to tell him that she is manipulating to get her way ( MIL ). I'm finding myself getting pissed off at DH for his wimpiness but I don't want to start a big thing over this--I don't want to give MIL so much power.
Anyone know any good MIL handling techniques?