December 11th 2024.
Let's face it, some mother-in-laws can be a little difficult. We all know that there are plenty of amazing mother-in-laws out there, but unfortunately, there are also some who give the title a bad rep. They are often referred to as "monster-in-laws" and are known for being meddlesome and causing intentional aggravation towards their son or daughter's significant other, according to Urban Dictionary. TikToker and mother of two, Madison LeBlanc Barbosa, recently asked her followers to share their experiences with their own mother-in-laws. Little did she know, she would receive an overwhelming response with countless "horrendous" stories.
One common issue that seems to arise with these monster-in-laws is their disregard for boundaries. Boundaries are important in any relationship, whether it's with a romantic partner, family member, or friend. And while they may occasionally irritate us, it's never okay to cross them. Many of Madison's followers shared stories of their mother-in-laws completely ignoring their boundaries and even taking it as a personal attack when they are set. One woman recalled how her mother-in-law cut her daughter's hair without asking or telling her, even though it was her first haircut. Another shared how her mother-in-law threw a fit when they told her she couldn't kiss their newborn baby on the lips, claiming she couldn't be a grandma if she couldn't do so.
In fact, there were so many responses that Madison turned her initial video on the topic into a series titled "Monster-In-Law," where she reads out all the stories she received. She even warns her viewers to "buckle up" before listening to these outrageous tales. Some of the stories are so shocking that Madison even says, "Some of these women belong in jail - honest to God," and after hearing them, we can't help but agree.
But it's not just about boundaries with children, as one of Madison's followers experienced. She shared how her mother-in-law cried when she told her she couldn't name her firstborn child. And even after the baby was born and given a name, the mother-in-law continued to call the baby by a different name. The issue of vaccinations also arises, as one woman's mother-in-law convinced her to give her baby the flu vaccine, despite the parents' decision not to do so.
Religion can also be a contentious issue when it comes to mother-in-laws. One woman shared how her mother-in-law had her six-week-old child baptized in the Catholic Church without her knowledge, even though they are not Catholic. Boundaries were also crossed in the relationship between a husband and his mother, as one woman's mother-in-law got into the shower with her son to shave his back - while wearing nothing.
It's no surprise that a person's relationship with their mother can negatively impact their romantic relationship. According to a study by Dating.com, 67% of people have dated someone whose relationship with their mother caused issues in the relationship. And for 56%, their ex's "overbearing" mother was the main reason for their breakup. It's not uncommon for a partner's mother to try to intervene in their relationship or for their partner to expect them to handle all the household chores. Dating expert Maria Sullivan advises being vocal about boundaries being crossed, as keeping concerns to yourself can lead to bigger issues in the future.
But at the same time, it's important to try and nurture a relationship with your in-laws, even if it's difficult. Maria suggests compromising with your partner and finding an arrangement that works for both of you. This may mean that your partner sees their family without you, but it's important to maintain a bond with potential in-laws.
Some of the stories Madison shares about her followers' nightmare mother-in-laws seem to be nothing more than spiteful actions. One woman was not included in her family's wedding photos, as her mother-in-law only wanted "family" in the picture. Another was called "selfish" for breastfeeding her baby, and yet another was told that her husband's ex would still be invited to family holidays because they were still close. And in a shocking admission, one woman's mother-in-law purposely gave her food that she was severely allergic to and played it off as an accident.
It's clear that some mother-in-laws can be a handful and cause unnecessary stress and tension in a relationship. But let's not forget to appreciate those amazing mother-in-laws out there who love and support their children and their partners. And if you have a story to share about your own mother-in-law, don't hesitate to reach out and share it with us.
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