Mother-In-Law's Persistent Dog Spoiling and Overfeeding Compels Couple to Move Out with Their Pet

Living with a mother-in-law can mean that life comes with unnecessary drama. Even if you try to establish healthy boundaries with her, she insists on doing things her way.

One Redditor shares her story about a future mother-in-law who refuses to listen and keeps overfeeding and spoiling the dog she owns with her boyfriend. She posted it on the JUSTNOMIL subreddit.

According to the original poster (OP), she and her long-term boyfriend own a two-year-old dog. They've been living with the boyfriend's parents for nine months to save for a house.

Although the couple is grateful for the situation, there's just one thing that irks them: the OP's future mother-in-law is overly attached to their dog.

She has been feeding the dog anything and everything. The couple has already asked the mother-in-law to stop because the dog has a sensitive stomach.

They also want it to get used to a feeding schedule. Unfortunately, the mother-in-law refuses to listen and continues to spoil and feed the dog, including human food.

The OP's boyfriend has confronted the mother-in-law countless times, but she just won't listen and doesn't care. Because of all the spoiling, the dog mostly spends time with the mother-in-law and is completely attached to her.

In the end, the OP and her boyfriend ultimately decided to move out. This decision came after a confrontation between the boyfriend and his mother, which left the latter in tears.

The OP Rants About Her JUSTNOMIL for Spoiling Her and Her Boyfriend's Dog.

Reddit

The Future Mother-in-Law Blatantly Disrespects Their Boundaries When It Comes to the Dog.

They've already tried to reason with her countless times, but the mother-in-law just keeps doing what she wants to spoil the dog.

Reddit

The Dog No Longer Behaves Like It's Theirs. It Has Grown Completely Attached to the Mother-in-Law.

Reddit

The Psychology of Overindulgence

Overindulging pets can stem from psychological issues related to attachment and control.

Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that individuals often project their emotional needs onto pets, seeking fulfillment through care and pampering.

This can lead to behaviors that, while well-intentioned, may inadvertently harm the pet's well-being.

After a Confrontation, the OP and Her Boyfriend Decided to Move Out with Their Dog.

Reddit

After Observing This Attitude from the In-Laws, It Would Be Best for the OP and Her Boyfriend to Only Allow Supervised Visits Once They Have Kids.

Reddit

The Mother-in-Law Keeps Doing It Because She Doesn't See the Consequences of Her Actions.

Reddit

The couple's decision to move away from the mother-in-law due to her overindulgence highlights the impact of family dynamics on personal choices.

According to studies in family psychology, family interactions can shape individual behaviors and decisions, leading to significant relational strain.

Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering healthier boundaries within family systems.

It Would Have Been Better If They Had Left Their Pet at a Doggy Daycare.

Reddit

There's No Other Solution but to Move Out of the House.

Reddit

If the Mother-in-Law Wants a Dog That Badly, They Can Give Her One as a Christmas Present.

Reddit

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships, particularly in family settings.

Research indicates that families with well-defined boundaries report higher levels of satisfaction and lower conflict.

Implementing strategies like open communication and setting expectations can help manage family dynamics more effectively.

At Least, the OP Now Knows How Her Mother-in-Law Will Behave When She and Her Boyfriend Have Kids.

If they need a babysitter for their little ones, they should exclude the mother-in-law.

Reddit

Doggy Daycare Is the Answer If They Still Can't Move Out.

Reddit

Since the OP and her boyfriend decided to move out, they no longer have to deal with the mother-in-law's behavior. Now that they know that the mother-in-law has a tendency to overstep her boundaries, they must establish clear boundaries and supervision when they have children to prevent any negative influence, similar to what happened with their dog.

To address overindulgence, families can benefit from workshops that teach responsible pet ownership and healthy boundaries.

These workshops can provide education on the psychological aspects of pet ownership, emphasizing the importance of balanced care.

By promoting responsible practices, families can cultivate a more harmonious living environment for both pets and humans.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects a common psychological pattern where individuals may overcompensate for perceived deficiencies in their relationships by overindulging others, including pets. This behavior, while stemming from good intentions, can lead to unintended negative consequences.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

The interplay between family dynamics and pet care illustrates the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

As highlighted by research in psychology, fostering mutual understanding and respect within families can significantly improve overall satisfaction.