OP’s mother-in-law, who’s long disliked her for her middle-class roots, wrongly assumed OP and her husband were separating when he moved to a rental home to protect their high-risk kids during the pandemic.
Ignoring his clarifications, she hired a divorce lawyer for him, pushing OP to the brink of fury. Let’s dive into the details and see what the online community thinks.
This tale of family overreach tests the limits of patience and boundaries. Is OP justified in her anger?
This story showcases egregious boundary violations by a mother-in-law whose actions suggest intent to undermine OP’s marriage. Hiring a divorce lawyer despite clear explanations reveals a desire for control.
Family psychologist Dr. Susan Forward notes, “Overbearing in-laws often act from a need to dominate, and setting firm boundaries is essential to protect the marriage” (Toxic In-Laws).
The husband’s no-contact stance is a strong start, but the couple should consider long-term strategies, like a cease-and-desist letter or permanent no-contact if MIL persists.
OP should approach any confrontation calmly, focusing on protecting their family. MIL needs to recognize her actions are harmful and unacceptable.
This case highlights the need for clear boundaries with intrusive family members and unity in marriage against external interference.
Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:
Reddit is livid on OP’s behalf, condemning MIL’s audacity and offering both humorous and serious solutions. Here’s a roundup of reactions.
Many suggested using the lawyer against MIL.
Some criticized MIL’s disrespect.
A few empathized with OP’s sacrifices.
OP is justified in her outrage at her MIL’s outrageous move to hire a divorce lawyer, ignoring their explanations and exploiting their temporary separation for the kids’ safety.
Reddit backs OP, suggesting everything from no-contact to legal action to set boundaries. How should OP and her husband handle MIL moving forward? Have you dealt with intrusive in-laws? Share your stories!
