Wife Hides From Her Mother-In-Law And Pretends Not To Be Home

We all have some mother-in-law stories to tell. There are times when they appear to be so possessive of their children and so caring that it becomes annoying. At times, they show up at our homes without notice, giving unsolicited comments on every arrangement in the house and our choices of furnishings. You can probably relate to all these experiences. Even our ways of raising our children do not escape their watchful eyes. While we understand that they are just showing concern for their family members, some mothers-in-law can be too much to bear. According to Dr. William Doherty, family therapist, "Navigating family dynamics can be challenging, especially when boundaries are not respected." One mother shares her experience of her mother-in-law showing up too often without notice since the day she gave birth. Dealing with postpartum blues, particularly anxiety, she finds it even more stressful to hear her mother-in-law's thinly veiled criticisms and constant stream of advice. When her mother-in-law showed up again, she ignored the doorbell after having the longest day of her life. When her mother-in-law told her husband she was checking on them, she lied, saying they were out on a walk with their baby. Now, she feels guilty, thinking about the 20-minute bus ride her mother-in-law took to get there. Check what others think of her.

Here's what she posted on Reddit:

via: newmom_throwaway

Here's what happened when her mother-in-law came, and she pretended not to be home.

via: newmom_throwaway

Her husband noticed that she was lying, as their baby's stroller was in the corner along with the diaper bag in the same position it had been in when he left the previous day.

via: newmom_throwaway

Here are some of the people's reactions to her post.

via: whateveryoubench

Stopping by without asking is rude.

via: retiredcoin

It's unacceptable for the mother-in-law to show up at their house without calling and confirming if they are okay with that, especially since she just gave birth.

via: TzarineJador

"No" is a complete sentence.

via: Maskydoo

The mother-in-law should know her boundaries. She should not be subjected to her mother-in-law's passive-aggressive comments.

via: heysiriwhatsmyname

The husband should have her back and talk to her.

via: silvertitan414

She needs to stand her ground and set firm boundaries. Otherwise, she will never find peace.

via: Catatomical

It's not her home, and it's not her mother-in-law's life! Her husband should handle that as soon as possible.

via: Hardhearted_

She should tell her husband that unless his mom asks to come over, she's not entertaining her.

via: thirdtryisthecharm

Being a grandparent is a privilege, not a right.

via: ScarletteMayWest

Her husband needs to establish the rules with her.

via: Boomgtd_

Her mother-in-law chose to spend 40 minutes on public transit on her own.

via: Striking_Description

She owes her mother-in-law nothing as she tries to set a perfectly reasonable boundary.

via: A-Purple-Lagoon

Showing up without notice is just rude.

via: SimplySam4210

She should tell her husband that she will continue to ignore her until she learns to call first.

via: Fun-Tourist-7395

That is an exercise in parenting.

via: TotallySusBlue1

Entertaining unwanted and annoying guests is not among her listed tasks.

via: No-Jellyfish-1208

Her husband should enforce these boundaries.

via: superfastmomma via: Buttercup303

This person can relate to OP's postpartum stress and even depression.

via: Silvermystique13

She didn't make her mother-in-law spend 40 minutes on public transport; it was her personal choice.

via: CraigBybee

Everyone in the family should understand that mothers may experience postpartum depression and anxiety. It can take weeks and may even worsen with various triggers.

The mother-in-law, who perhaps experienced this when she also gave birth, should be the first to understand that. It's never too hard to make a call first.