MIL's Plan to Make Daughter-in-Law's Family Cancel Their Vacation to Join Her Own Vacation Flops So Bad She Got More Jealous
"Going to them behind our backs felt super manipulative and petty"
A 28-year-old woman thought a family vacation should be fun, relaxing, and low-stress. Instead, it turned into a power struggle so intense she ended up watching her mother-in-law try to reshape everyone’s plans around her own.
The complicated part is this: OP’s partner’s family already had a vacation booked, but the mother-in-law basically pushed for a switch.
By the time they got back, everyone was exhausted, and OP was left dealing with the jealousy and fallout from a trip that was supposed to be shared.
OP writes
Reddit/stuck_with_me_againThey would have the necessary privacy and space required to take breaks if needed
Reddit/stuck_with_me_againThey were all exhausted by the time they got back because of her controlling, high-strung way of vacationing
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OP’s mother-in-law didn’t start with a suggestion, she started with demands, like canceling the daughter-in-law’s family so she could get what she wanted.
Family dynamics are at the heart of the tensions described in this story, particularly regarding the mother-in-law's attempt to dictate vacation plans. The narrative reveals a struggle for control, as she seems to prioritize her desires over the collective enjoyment of the family. This need for control often arises from a fear of being excluded, as evidenced by her insistence that her daughter-in-law's family cancel their plans to accommodate her own. Such attempts to manipulate family gatherings can lead to significant conflict, as seen in the resulting jealousy and disappointment felt by the original poster. The story showcases how these power struggles can disrupt what should be a joyful experience, highlighting the delicate balance needed in family relationships.
She said that they could split the price of everything and “share kids”
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OP and her partner had already decided that they didn’t like the idea
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OP added an edit later on saying:
We can absolutely cancel on my parents last minute. We would be taking our own car, and their timeshare condo does not change regardless of us going or missing, so there would be no consequence, financially or otherwise, to us deciding to stay home.We also fully plan on talking to the baby's doctor and my doctor before doing either vacation. We're just waiting until October-ish so we can have a better idea on vaccinations/restrictions/travel bans associated with the places we go. If either doctor recommends against it, we won't go.
We've gathered a bunch of the topmost comments for you to read through below
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When OP said her family could split costs and “share kids,” it was basically a polite way of asking her to give up control of the whole vacation.
That “vacation for everyone” meltdown is similar to the AITA where someone canceled the parents trip to prioritize their job.
The dynamics unfolding in this family's vacation plans reveal a troubling pattern of manipulative behavior driven by deeper insecurities. The original poster's attempt to persuade her partner's family to cancel their vacation highlights a desperate need for validation and control. Such actions often stem from feelings of inadequacy and fear of being sidelined in familial relationships. Recognizing these underlying emotions is crucial for all family members involved, as it allows them to approach the situation with empathy rather than resentment. This incident serves as a reminder that unresolved psychological issues can manifest in unhealthy ways, particularly in family settings where expectations and loyalties collide.
He was amazing, but this Redditor was exhausted
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He couldn't hold his head up
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Traveling with a newborn, whether by car or plane, sounds exhausting
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OP and her partner already hated the idea, and the fact that the timeshare condo would still be theirs whether they went or not made her MIL’s leverage look even worse.
Effective Communication Strategies in Families
To address manipulative behaviors within family dynamics, open and honest communication is essential.
This line alone would make this Redditor shut her down
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Telling the MIL no trip can be planned
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Who wants to do this?
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Then the vacation itself went sideways, because her controlling, high-strung way of vacationing left everyone drained and OP feeling like jealousy was the real prize.
Empathy plays a vital role in resolving family conflicts.
Some Redditors were of the opinion that flying with a young child is difficult and, at times, unbearable. Some even advised her to cancel the trip, as it may be too early for her to take one since she just delivered.
Drop your own advice for the OP in the comments section below, and don't forget to share this post as well.
It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting each family's traditions and commitments.
Nobody wants to “share kids” while someone else tries to cancel your vacation just to feel included.
Want more mother-in-law level drama? Read how one sibling snapped after a “surprise” trip change.
