Redditor Complains That Her MIL's Passive-Aggressive Behavior Is Ruining Their Vacation, She Feels Drained And Regrets Bringing Her Along

"I'm just drained and needed a rant"

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• August 28, 2023

Going on vacation with partners' mothers is a great opportunity to split the responsibilities for kids and have some time alone with a partner. If everyone invests a little time in watching the child, everyone will be rested and won't feel the pressure of responsibilities.

This way, partners get a chance for a romantic time alone, and grandmothers get a chance to spend more time with their grandchildren. In theory, it works great, but in reality, it is an entirely different story.

A Reddit user recently shared her experience of being on vacation with her mother and MIL. The OP said they are on vacation in a beloved coastal town with her husband, one-year-old daughter, mother, mother-in-law (MIL), and the MIL's friend.

This town holds sentimental value for the OP, as she has frequented it since childhood and even celebrated her engagement there. However, the MIL dislikes it.

But she decided to join them and use the time to bond with her granddaughter. And she is consistently complaining about everything from the place to the food.

The MIL has been challenging the OP's mother's parenting decisions, leading to tension between the grandmothers. The OP believes she is jealous because her mother spends more time with them.

A notable incident arose when both grandmothers were asked to babysit, but the MIL missed the opportunity by choosing to socialize and then blamed the OP's mother for it. The OP is stressed by the MIL's strong opinions on everything.

Notably, the MIL's behavior shifts drastically in the presence of the OP's mother, turning from pleasant to hostile. This dual nature has left the OP emotionally drained, opting to stay in her bed and breakfast room to avoid the MIL's passive aggression, even at the cost of missing out on her treasured vacation experience.

The OP said:

The OP explained that she is currently on vacation with her husband, child, mother, MIL, and MIL's friend:

They are in a coastal town that holds sentimental value for her, but her MIL dislikes it:

MIL insisted that she go with them so that she could spend more time with her granddaughter:

But from the moment they arrived, she kept complaining about everything:

Mil also accuses the OP's mom of taking her granddaughter away from her:

The OP provided an example:

Their conversation is always tense:

So, the OP feels drained from her MIL's passive-aggressive behavior:

Maybe it's time to interfere

MIL should know that she can leave if she wants

She had a chance, but she chose not to take it

Inform your husband that this is the final vacation his mother attends

Lesson learned

The OP responded:

Her mom doesn't deserve to be bullied

While going on vacation with extended family members sounds great in theory, it can cause more headaches than benefits in practice. In this case, Redditors advised the OP to either talk to her MIL or tell her husband to talk with her.

Her mother does not deserve to be bullied for the sake of good relations.

Filip