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by Nom de guerre on January 3rd, 2007

Nom de guerre

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When and how did the stereotype of the horrible, annoying, always-in-your-business, over-protective, won't-cut-the-cord mother-in-law develop? Do that many people really have such terrible mothers-in-law?

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  • by Jessicax23 on January 3rd, 2007

    Jessicax23

    Personally I think it's the same reason that the guy's ex-girlfriends are always such horrendous psycho bitches. Women are a tad jealous of a man's affection for, appreciation for, history with, and esteem towards any other woman. With the ex, she can just write her off as psycho and move on. With mom, not so much... so every time the poor lady tries to be a mom to her kid, it's perceived as a threat (maybe not consciously, but the overreaction is a good indicator).

    Personally, I never had an issue with my MIL one way or another. But now that I'm a mother, I cannot BELIEVE how uninvolved she is with her son. I'd be appalled, except that it's just the way their family works. I don't get it, but it's none of my business, kwim? What I'm saying is that if she wanted to be involved to the typical (and normal) degree, I might bristle at it. Who knows.

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    • Excellent point, all of them! Thanks. I'd rate it "helpful", but I've given you too many points, apparently. :P My husband's family isn't as "involved" as mine is, either. They're still great, and I love them to death, but we talk to them maybe once or twice a month, whereas I talk to my family several times a week. Maybe it's a daughter vs. son thing, I don't know.

      Nom de guerre

      by Nom de guerre on January 4th, 2007

    • that could be. sometimes it's just personality. I think in my ILs' case, it's that midwestern stoicism/uptightness thing.

      Jessicax23

      by Jessicax23 on January 4th, 2007

    • Jealousy works both ways. Sometimes the MIL is jealous of her son's new wife and so she proceeds to bully her daughter in law.

      Anonymous

      by Anonymous on August 29th, 2009

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

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