For some people, their mother-in-law can be like a second mom. For others, not so much. Do you ever ask yourself the question: does my mother-in-law like me? It’s not always easy to tell, especially if the two of you have distinctly different personalities. Her way of expressing herself may be completely different from yours. Find out if your mother-in-law likes you by taking the quiz.

How can you tell your MIL warmed up to you

Going out of her way to spend time with you

Does your mother-in-law make an effort to plan outings, invite you over for dinner, or suggest activities you both enjoy? It could be an indication that she enjoys spending time with you and values your company.

Asking for your advice

Does your mother-in-law ask for your input about things? Does she like to seek your advice on various matters? It indicates that she values your opinions and respects you.

Complimenting you

Your mother-in-law complimenting your appearance, personality, or achievements is a good sign that she likes you and wants you to feel appreciated.

Including you in family events

Your MIL inviting you to family gatherings and events is a sure sign that she treats you like a part of the family and wants you to feel like it.

Regular communication

If we like people, we want to keep in touch. If your mother-in-law regularly reaches out to you to check in or share news, it’s a sign that she values your relationship and wants to keep it growing.

Keep in mind that everyone expresses affection and appreciation differently. The best way to know if your mother-in-law likes you is to have an open and honest conversation with her. You can express your feelings and ask her how she feels about you. Communication is key in any relationship. It can help you build a stronger bond with your mother-in-law.

What is mother-in-law syndrome?

This term describes a tense and complicated relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law, where there is a lack of understanding, trust, and respect.

In certain situations, a mother-in-law may feel threatened or jealous of her daughter-in-law’s relationship with her son or believe that her daughter-in-law is not living up to her expectations. It can lead to negative behaviors such as criticism, control, and manipulation, which can strain the relationship between the two women and cause emotional distress for everyone involved.

It’s worth pointing out that not all mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are strained, and many families have positive and loving relationships with their in-laws. If you are having problems with your mother-in-law, consider seeking help from a counselor or therapist who can help you navigate these complex family dynamics.

Let’s be honest: do you have mommy issues?

Signs your mother-in-law is a monster-in-law

Criticism

A mother-in-law who constantly criticizes or belittles you or your partner can be a sign of a strained relationship. Criticism can range from mild to severe and may be directed at your personality, behavior, or lifestyle. She will criticize anything from the way you dress, your parenting strategies, to the way you run your house. Nothing you ever do can be enough for her.

Control

Your mother-in-law tries to control every aspect of your life, including your relationship or your children’s upbringing. She will constantly meddle with your personal matters and try to tell you what to do.

Manipulation

She uses manipulation tactics, such as guilt-tripping, emotional blackmail, or lying. She will sigh and say something like “I guess you don’t want to spend time with your sick, old mother” when you and your partner want to spend one Sunday on your own. She will mysteriously get sick and need assistance the day before you and your partner go on a planned trip. There are many manipulative tactics she might try.

Disrespect

Your mother-in-law shows disrespect towards you or your partner, such as ignoring your opinions or dismissing your concerns.

Intrusiveness

An excessively intrusive mother-in-law (showing up unannounced, interfering in your personal life, or not respecting your privacy) can be a sign of a challenging relationship.

What to do about your hostile mother-in-law?

Communicate and respect boundaries

It’s crucial to communicate with your mother-in-law honestly and openly. Try to find out the reasons for her behavior and address any misunderstandings or concerns she may have. Your mother-in-law may have specific boundaries that she wants you to respect. Try to be understanding and accommodating of her needs. Don’t forget about setting boundaries for yourself, too.

Is your partner selfish? Find out.

Don’t take things personally and focus on the positives

It’s easy to feel hurt and upset when someone doesn’t like you but try not to take it personally. Prioritize the positive aspects of your relationship with your partner and your own family. Don’t let your mother-in-law’s behavior negatively affect your happiness and well-being.

If the situation becomes too difficult to handle, seek support from your partner, close friends, or a therapist who can help you navigate the situation. Remember that building a positive relationship with your mother-in-law takes time and effort, and it may not happen overnight. Keep an open mind, be patient and understanding, and you should be able to improve your relationship with time and effort.

Are you satisfied in your relationship?

Is it common to dislike one’s mother-in-law?

Many factors can contribute to a strained relationship between a person and their mother-in-law, such as cultural differences, personality clashes, past experiences, or expectations. It is not always within your control to like or dislike someone.

However, it is crucial to find a way to coexist peacefully and respectfully in a family setting, especially if the person is an integral part of your partner’s life. In such a situation, it may be helpful to establish boundaries and communication methods that work for both parties to maintain a healthy relationship.

If the situation becomes too difficult to handle, it may be beneficial to seek help from a therapist or counselor. They can offer advice and tools to assist you in traversing your relationship with your mother-in-law.

Is my mother-in-law fond of me? Am I getting on her nerves? Perhaps she doesn’t like me at all. Take the quiz and see what’s up.