I actually like and enjoy my Mother in law (MIL). We have it sorted, she cooks and I eat! Simple, easy and totally enjoyable… (kidding ML there are many other great things too! e.g., books, chats, walks, shopping, harassing Jeff, laughing over these little Q boys etc. etc. etc.)
However, there are some excellent nightmarish stories out there of MIL’s who take the air you breathe, intoxicate the place you call home and generally cause massive heartburn, chest palpitations and stomach dis-ease.
My sister has one such MIL! Prior to the impending visit there is some heavy drinking, a tad bit of stress, loads of generalized anxiety and escalating chaos in anticipation of the MIL’s arrival. Following the visit, there is always a debriefing and potentially a “lessons learned” session however after this weekend’s visit, my sister described some crazy, funny and too bad to be true scenarios. So I came up with some very handy, practical, and rather functional (I am an OT) strategies in response to the situation.
Please note: these suggestions are not for every MIL but are perfect for most, especially if you’re tempted to place a suicide watch on yourself before, during or after their visit.
In response to my sister’s debriefing email I wrote:
It sounds really intense... I think you need:
1. shack out back! Don't they call those mother-in-law "suites"?
2. new hobby that calls you on the ipad or iphone randomly to "take you away" from current situation (i.e., blogging ?) NOTE: needs to be urgent and of great importance!
3. something waaaay stronger that mimosa's... try hard liquor, on the rocks (I hear this is quite effective)
4. maybe a look-a-like? oohhh a poster, or a stuffed, fake body with a head that moves and nods? For carrying on conversation
5. a personal space bubble that is visible... I have many techniques for teaching this to my 7 year olds... but most effective for the MIL might be chicken "wings", e.g., tuck arms like chicken wings and wave in the air all around you... if something gets hit… it's too close, i.e., in your personal space bubble!!!
6. to write a book about the trials and tribulations of loving a man but not his mother! (ooh see #2 for aforementioned hobby suggestion!!! These visits could now be considered “research” and info gathering sessions)
I thought these suggestions were great (toot horn!) and that they would suffice but now we have to wait until the next visit to see if any of them are effective, or worth patenting!