Hello, my MIL (70) moved in with me (30), my husband (30), and 2 young children a few months ago due to financial issues. She has since then come into some money and wants to build a MIL suite instead of buying her own house. She is in fairly good health so that’s not an issue. About a month or so ago we all laid out some boundaries regarding her staying here. Mine were please don’t rearrange my kitchen and I don’t want her dog in the house, he marks and snaps at my kids.
She took this completely the wrong way and spent 2 days complaining about me on the phone to all her friends and said she no longer wanted to stay. Unfortunately my husband took her side and agreed that I was the problem. Among her complaints were things like I don’t talk enough (this is nothing new, I’m an introvert), and I don’t hug her properly.
I smoothed things over with her and she has been moving forward with her MIL suite plans. I will admit I have held her at a distance since all this has happened. I’m cordial and I help her with things she needs help with, tech issues, driving to appointments, buying her meals etc. But I am no longer super close buddy buddy to her. I’m sure she can tell.
My issue is I overheard MIL today talking about how she is unhappy and wants to move out. I am afraid she will blame her unhappiness on me, and in turn put more strain on me and husbands relationship.
Any advice on people who have been in similar situations would be great!