Are you struggling with a toxic mother-in-law? If so, you are not alone. Many people find themselves in this challenging situation. It can be hard to know what to do when your mother-in-law is causing problems in your relationship.
In this blog post, we will discuss ten warning signs that you are dealing with a toxic mother-in-law. We will also provide some tips on how to deal with the situation.
She says one thing and then does another.
Toxic mothers-in-law are the stuff of jokes and sitcoms, but it’s no laughing matter for those who have to deal with one. A toxic mother-in-law is someone who says one thing and then does another.
She tells her son she’s okay with him marrying you but then criticizes everything you do. She says she wants to be a part of your life but then undermines your relationship at every turn. She might promise to help with the housework but then do nothing when she comes over.
Or she might say she’ll watch the children but then go out shopping instead. This behavior can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you’re trying to build a good relationship with your in-laws, and it can also make it difficult to trust her.
It can be tempting to write her off as a lost cause, but it’s important to remember that she’s still your husband’s mother. Instead of giving up on her, try to understand why she behaves as she does. It could be that she’s just insecure and feels threatened by your relationship.
Or it could be that she’s used to being the center of attention and doesn’t know how to share her son with someone else. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to be patient and try to build a relationship with her. After all, she is a part of your life, whether you like it or not.
She puts you down in front of others and compares you to other people.
A toxic mother-in-law often tries to put you down in front of others. She might criticize your looks or suggest you’re not a good enough wife for her son. She may also try to compare you to other people, such as her granddaughters or daughters-in-law, who can do no wrong in her eyes, and she may even make snide comments about your family and friends.
This kind of behavior can be hurtful and make you feel insecure, especially if she is speaking to your in-laws or friends. You must stand up for yourself in these situations. You may want to politely let her know that you don’t like it when she criticizes you and ask her not to do it in front of others.
You can also try to ignore her and avoid making eye contact when she goes on one of her rants. While it may seem like a toxic mother-in-law will never change, remember that you have the power to set boundaries in your relationship. By standing up for yourself and being assertive, you can help protect yourself from her damaging words.
She tries to control the decisions you make in your life.
A toxic mother-in-law will often try to exert control over your life, especially when it comes to big decisions such as where you live or what career path you choose. She might criticize her son’s girlfriend for being too young or suggest having children immediately.
She may even go so far as to try to dictate the details of your wedding and force you to include things in your plans that you don’t want, such as a large bridal party or an expensive reception.
You need to take control of this situation and stand up for yourself to your mother-in-law. Don’t be afraid to tell her you’re an adult capable of making your own decisions.
Remember that while she may feel threatened by the changes in your life, it’s important not to let her control your choices. If you need help or support in dealing with a toxic mother-in-law, talk to a therapist or other mental health professional who can give you tips and strategies for coping with this behavior.
She’s never happy for you when something good happens in your life.
A toxic mother-in-law is never happy for you when something good happens in your life. Instead, she will find a way to criticize or nitpick what you’ve done.
If you get a new job, she’ll find a way to remind you that it’s not as good as her job. If you have a baby, she’ll find a way to remind you that she had her baby without any help. It’s like she just can’t stand to see you happy. And the worst part is, she’s always right there, waiting to pounce on you when you make a mistake. It’s like she takes pleasure in seeing you fail.
She’s always quick to point out your flaws and tells you how much better she is than you. It’s toxic behavior, and it can take a toll on your self-esteem. If you have a Toxic Mother-in-Law, I advise you to stay away from her as much as possible. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. Focus on your happiness, and don’t let her bring you down.
She deliberately tries to make you feel guilty.
A toxic mother-in-law likes to make you feel guilty by playing on your insecurities and making you doubt yourself. She might criticize how you care for your children or tell you that you’re not doing a good enough job. She might even go so far as to try and make you feel guilty for choosing to be with her son in the first place or for not being able to have children.
She may do this by comments or “jokes” about your weight, your intelligence, or your parenting skills. Or she may try to undermine you by criticizing your choices or openly preferring your spouse over you. This behavior is manipulative and can leave you feeling worthless and alone.
The best way to deal with a toxic mother-in-law who always makes you feel guilty is to set firm boundaries.
Here are some tips for setting boundaries with a toxic mother-in-law:
- Communicate your feelings honestly and calmly. Try not to let your emotions get the best of you.
- Avoid engaging in arguments or debates with your mother-in-law if possible. This will just give her more opportunities to criticize you.
- Avoid focusing on the negative aspects of your mother-in-law. Instead, try to remember all the positive things about your relationship and find something nice to say.
- Consider talking to a therapist or other mental health professional if you’re having trouble managing your
- Stand up for yourself and be assertive. Let your mother-in-law know that you won’t tolerate this kind of behavior and that she needs to respect your choices. Remember that you deserve happiness and fulfillment in your life, and don’t let her take that away from you.
She ignores your boundaries.
If you’ve tried to set boundaries with your toxic mother-in-law, only to find that she ignores them and continues her negative behavior, it’s time to take a more drastic approach. You may need to remove yourself from the situation to protect yourself from her toxicity. This can be difficult, especially if you’re close to your in-laws or are worried about hurting their feelings. But ultimately, it’s the only way to regain control of your life and avoid letting her toxic behavior impact you.
She’s always trying to come between you and your partner.
She might make negative comments about you or try to turn your partner against you. She might even deliberately try to undermine your relationship by criticizing your partner and trying to convince them that they would be better off without you.
f you’re dealing with a toxic mother-in-law, it can be a difficult situation to handle. But there are some things you can do to make it easier. First, try to keep communication open with your partner. They must know what’s going on and understand how you’re feeling.
Second, work on building up your confidence and self-esteem. Remember that you deserve happiness; don’t let her take that away from you. And finally, try to maintain a positive attitude. Focus on the good things in your life, and try to put her toxic behavior into perspective. With time and patience, you can learn to cope with your toxic mother-in-law and protect yourself from her negativity.
She’s always right (and she knows it).
A toxic mother-in-law will often see herself as being right all the time, even when she’s clearly in the wrong. She might try to make you feel stupid or incompetent, and she might be quick to criticize your decisions. She may even go so far as to try and control your life.
If she is constantly giving you advice about how to raise your children, run your household, or manage your career, it’s a sign of toxic behavior. She might think she knows best and that she’s doing you a favor by trying to control your decisions, but in reality, her behavior is more likely to be controlling and manipulative.
If you’re dealing with a toxic mother-in-law who is always right, your best bet is to stand up for yourself and speak your mind. Focus on communicating your thoughts and feelings calmly and directly without letting her make you feel guilty or small. And remember that you deserve to be happy and fulfilled and don’t need her approval to live your life the way you want.
She is a passive-aggressive person.
A toxic mother-in-law might not be open about her feelings and problems, choosing instead to act out in passive-aggressive ways. She might avoid you, give you the silent treatment, or make sarcastic comments. She may also try to manipulate you through guilt or by telling you what a good daughter-in-law you are.
The silent treatment is a classic passive-aggressive behavior that can be very hurtful and damaging. For example, if you’ve asked your mother-in-law to babysit for the evening, and she gives you the silent treatment or avoids you instead, it can be very frustrating. But by being aware of her passive-aggressive tendencies, you can learn to manage them and protect yourself from this toxic behavior.
If you’re dealing with a toxic mother-in-law who is passive-aggressive, the key is to keep your emotions in check and be direct and honest with her. Try to calmly express your feelings, needs, and desires, even if it’s uncomfortable or awkward at first.
She’s Overbearing and Demanding.
If your mother-in-law constantly demands things from you or tries to control how you live your life, it’s a sign of toxic behavior.
She might make unreasonable requests, such as asking you to do her grocery shopping or take care of her pets when you’re already busy with other commitments.
Or she might make you feel obligated to spend time with her, even when you’d rather be doing something else.
You should be wary of a mother-in-law who is constantly demanding and controlling, as it can be very draining and stressful.
Some tips for dealing with this type of toxic behavior include:
- Standing up for yourself
- Refusing to take on unreasonable requests
- Prioritizing your own needs and desires
- Don’t give in to her manipulations
Conclusion.
If you’re dealing with a toxic mother-in-law, it’s vital to take action. This person can hurt your relationship, mental health, and overall well-being. If you see any of these warning signs, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help or take steps to protect yourself.
You deserve to be happy and safe in your own life and relationships. And you should never have to feel like you’re walking on eggshells around your mother-in-law. Leave a Comment below about your own experiences with toxic mothers-in-law. We’d love to hear them!
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Reviewed By: Joanna Perez and Marcella Raskin
Edited By: Lenny Terra
Fact Checked By: Gabrielle J. Smith
Photos Taken or Curated By: Matthew Mansour