My problem stems from an interfering and unpleasant mother-in-law.

I have been married to my husband for eight years and as time has gone by she has become more difficult to put up with.

I have always kept the peace as she is my husband's mother, but I am seriously over her behaviour.

She interferes consistently with how I rear my children, always criticising and making unkind remarks at what they will end up being.

She then condemns me to my husband, usually making things sound much different to what the reality is.

He then becomes caught between the two warring parties. She also continues to disparage me as a person, making veiled insults as to my appearance and life abilities.

I am done with her nastiness but have no idea how to deal with this problem without causing a major rift in the family.

I would welcome any advice.

From Anonymous

AA

There is no easy answer here. Regardless of what you do or say I fear there will be unpleasant fallout.

Having said that, this woman has no right to belittle you in either your child-rearing abilities or personal appearance.

She also has no right to cause problems between you and your husband.

If she has an issue she should grow up and speak to you as a mature adult.

I believe you have two options; you either remove yourself as much as possible from her or you tackle her head on. Only you know which will work best in your situation.

If you choose the latter don't go in with a head full of steam, be quite clear about what the problems are and what you expect from her if she wishes to have a relationship with you. Sometimes, however, it is easier to just remove yourself from the unpleasantness.

Life is way too short to have to be consistently dealing with unnecessary nastiness. Know what you want and choose a pathway.

BOYS CLUB

Perhaps your husband should be the one to step up.