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Topic : 11/24 Meddling Future Mothers-in-law

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Created on : Friday, September 16, 2005, 04:31:34 pm
Author : DrPhilBoard1

(Original airdate: 09/21/05) Imagine that you've finally found your soul mate and are about to walk down the aisle, but there's one thing holding you back - the voice of your future mother-in-law! While Dr. Phil and Robin are excited about their soon-to-be daughter-in-law, not all parents are as lucky. Carla says that her future mother-in-law, Christine, hates her so much that she tried to run her over with a truck. Christine claims she is being pushed out of her son's life. Can Dr. Phil help them each see both side of the story? And, Donna insists that her daughter Nikki have a big church wedding, but Nikki's fiance, Tommy, wants to escape to Jamaica for their big day. Nikki is caught in the middle and trying to please both. Can you relate?

 

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September 22, 2005, 10:15 pm PDT

Bravo.................

Quote From: famma1

Dear Robin, I have a married son and the hardest thing is realizing that I am #2 lady in his life now. Have you seen the saying" A Mother holds her childs' hand for awhile, their heart forever" I promise this is true. I am no longer my sons' comforter, nurse, advisor or teacher. Dr. Phil won't understand and I'm not sure you can express it to him. But you raised your son to be a responsible adult, independent and loving and you have done your job.  Now it is time to pat yourself on your back and turn him over to Erica, the greatest gift you can give. Realize that now your son and his wife will have to decide where to spend Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. And now Jay has two families, not just yours.  It hurts a lot but be proud and that helps mend the heart. And the joy is  still to come in the grandchildren.!!!
And this is exactly how it should be.  Difficult yes but then anything in life worth while usually is difficult.  Congrats on being as wise as you are.  may the heavens grant you many grand babies. :)
 
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September 22, 2005, 10:40 pm PDT

Just wanted to say thanks..

Thanks to those of you who have responded to my question. I appreciate each one of your unique opinions.
 
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September 23, 2005, 7:12 pm PDT

Mom-in-law from a different culture

When I met my sweetie, we were kids in high school. I hadn't planned to marry at 20 but love is powerful and before I knew it, we were planning a wedding. I'm horrified now that we began that planning without my mom-in-law!! I didn't really even think about her, I just started planning the wedding with my mom. If she was hurt, she never showed it. Most of our friends knew about our engagement before she did. I'd be devastated if one of my boys showed the same lack of regard my sweetie and I showed her. 

  

I'm British by birth and attitude and my mom-in-law is from the Ukraine. She's a hugger and a screamer and when she paints a room she'll choose the brightest colour in the pallette. I choose ivory *lol*. There are times when I just don't get her and there are times when I know she just doesn't get me. It could have been a disaster from the start. 

  

I think I was so intimidated by her. My hubby's mom is a first rate artist, speaks 9 languages, knows more about history and politics than anyone I know and is a tiny, perfect woman who cooks so well she is often told to open a restaurant. She was taken from her home at 13 and placed in a German work camp for 3 years but instead of dimming her spirit, it only sparked it more.  I'm an awkward, freckled girl who speaks one language and couldn't paint by numbers. I've never learned to cook and I'm a haphazard housewife so when we were first married I couldn't see how she and I would ever have a relationship. I forgot the most important fact... I adore her son. 

  

She overlooks my many flaws and regales people with stories of how I had an article published or won a local election. She brags on my beautiful sons and tells everyone that I'm the best mother she knows. I'm not too sure how we managed this relationship but I'm almost positive it's her fault. I think she saw I was young and intimidated and she decided to be the adult in the relationship until I could catch up. She was kind and funny and even though she was incredulous that I couldn't manage to learn even one of her recipies, she loved it when I volunteered her son to learn them and we both found out he's an amazing cook just like his mom. They bonded more over that than anything. :)  

  

We've been married for 25 years now and my mom-in-law was my rock through the deaths of my parents. If anything were to happen to her, the loss would be as great as the loss of my mom. I pray that I can be the adult when my sons find women they love. I hope I can hold my tongue and open my heart the way she did. I know everybody wins that way.  

 
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September 23, 2005, 8:20 pm PDT

Your wonderful man...

Quote From: mirrywood

 Im getting married to a wonderful guy in a few months but what is supposed to be an exiciting time with all the planning and preparation, is spoiled by my MIL and SIL.  They have both spent years voicing their opinions and saying exactly what they think whether the other person likes it or not, well I had gotten to the point where enough was enough and I decided to voice my opinion and how they were making me feel.  Needless to say the MIL and SIL are now playing the victim and creating merry hell and how they are not coming to the wedding etc etc.  My partner has been extremely supportive towards me but I hate seeing him upset by it all but I refuse to apologise because I didnt say anything that was not true.  I did however stress the point that there are only two people in a marriage not three and that unless we want advise dont give it as more often than not it becomes destructive and not constructive, I did finish off by saying I have to set boundaries for both sets of families and hope we can move forward from here, but my MIL said it felt like someone had stepped on her neck, is it more like I stepped on her toes??, has she met someone that will not take their bullying and put up with their interference maybe?  what do you think I would be interested in your comments

Didn't get that way in a vaccuum :) 

If he's a wonderful man, he likely had a wonderful mother and eventually, that same woman is going to be the grandma to your children.  

It sounds as though you're probably right to be angry, I can tell you believe you're right but where will being right get you when it means your mom-in-law won't be coming to her son's wedding? 

  

There's a compromise to be made by the more mature of the two of you. You only win by being the more mature one. This isn't a relationship until the wedding, it's a lifetime relationship and if you don't sort things out now, it can and probably will spoil your marriage.  

  

As an old married woman, I can tell you that parents and in-laws often do give constructive help and input. I can also tell you that there are only two people in a marriage if everything else is going well. When you have a situation where his parents or your parents aren't coming to your wedding, that sits between the two of you like an elephant in the room.  

  

You don't have to be a pushover ... you can think over the things your MIL and SIL are revved and excited about and see if any of it can be incorporated into your wedding or life. You can remember that this is just as difficult a time for them as it is for you, especially since you all aren't getting along. They are losing a precious relationship with their son/brother if this doesn't work out.  

You don't have to apologise to smooth things over. You could call the three of you together to talk and try to work things out. If you maintain your calm even if they lose theirs and bring them back on point, you could end up forming one of the most precious and valuable relationships you'll ever have. 

  

My mom-in-law and I couldn't be more different but I treasure her because she raised my wonderful husband into the man he is. She spoils my guys rotten and sometimes lets them do things I don't agree with but I already have the proof she's an awesome mom so I go with "nana's rules" at nana's house and mom and dad's rules at home. (I had the same arrangement with my parents when they were also spoiling our guys rotten)  

  

When I was getting married, I was the centre of the universe and in hindsight, I know I made some horrible blunders that could have ended up with bitter feelings on my mom-in-law's part and I would have figured she was just trying to ruin my wedding. Now I treasure her more because she was the one who let it slide to keep a good relationship. You don't have that so you'll have to do the work but it's worth it.... I know it's worth it.  

 
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September 23, 2005, 10:38 pm PDT

09/21 Meddling Future Mothers-in-law

I am a very nice sweet natured person My step mil thought she could get her own way and mistreat my entie family she still to this day has my husband snowed. It got so bad that we went to marrage counciling the marrage counciler said Why are you bringing in another woman in to your marrage Taking her part over your wife is equal to having an affair in your wifes eyes. She plays poor me to an extream.  I would love for people to see her as she really is
 
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September 24, 2005, 7:41 am PDT

09/21 Meddling Future Mothers-in-law

Quote From: mamasqurl5

Momakababe, I'm glad I looked to see if there was a reply. 

  

Jennypp, Momakababe was completely right!!!!! To decide what is "acceptable" you have to ask your son, obviously he's already answered that. He wants you to call first everytime, why is that a big deal? 

It's not a "big deal".  I was just curious how others handle this with their children.  When I was younger, it was totally acceptable for in-laws to visit without calling first - we didn't always have phones.  Also, I can understand when you visit too regularly - which I don't.  I only live a couple of miles from my son and don't visit without calling unless I happen to be in his neighborhood babysitting for his neighbor, or want to deliver something to them.  This doesn't happen very often - as I said maybe once or twice a month - which I don't consider unreasonable.  Anyway, I didn't expect to be chastized for this - just wanted others opinions.  And I got them.  Thank you all - I won't visit again without calling first - even if the tide rises!
 
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September 24, 2005, 12:24 pm PDT

09/21 Meddling Future Mothers-in-law

Quote From: tammyo1973

The lady on the first part of the show sounds just like my dad. 

How many times in the first segmant did she remind SHE GOT THEM THE HOUSE. 

My dad is like this. If he buys something you  "owe" him. 

It got so bad after my hubby and I married that my dad told me I had finally earned my new last name as I had picked sides. How childish. 

I stopped talking to my parents for over a year and now when we talk it is strictly weather and they NEVER come to my house anymore. 

  

My dad is very controlling and was an abusive father so I have plenty of reasons for not having them fully in my life BUT what started out as a great relationship between my husband while he was boyfriend turned sour shortly after we married. It was because my dad could no longer control me. 

  

My 2 cents now back to the show
Tammy 

I think sometimes it is easy to get caught in a situation and think everyone is like the people in our own lives.  My Dad is extremely generous.  I have seen him give away very big things and expect nothing in return.  I mean my Dad and Santa Claus run neck and neck.  On the otherhand, My Mom is a retired Public School Teacher.  (Imagine that living with a TEACHER 24/7)  But she is very exacting and if a neighbour borrowed an egg, She wanted the egg back or 10 cents.  Or if she gets someone a gift that is fine, but She better get a Thank You card with a very detailed description of what she got for you and how much you loved it or else that's the last gift you are ever gonna get.  I think sometimes when you have someone in your life that is dysfunctional, it's like you have to find someone else in your life to emotionally meet that need.  I have certain friends although they are not related are like grandma's and grandpa's and aunts and uncles and sisters and brothers.  And those are relationships you have to work on and invest time in because it's not like your blood relatives who take for granted you are part of their life.
 
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September 24, 2005, 7:58 pm PDT

Hey it's Christina

Quote From: lcsniu1

Christina, 

It is natural to have a crush on a celebrity. When I was younger, I had the biggest crush on Derek Jeter. I wasn't really into baseball, but I thought he was a cutie! When I would read a magazine article about him, and the article would claim that he was seeing some woman, I would become upset. To me, I felt stalkerish and a little creeped out by my own behavior. Then I realized that having crushes on celebrities is normal. It is even normal to have some sort of emotion when you find out something new about that celebrity. My crush on Derek Jeter is now long gone. I have had crushes on celebrities since, but that is normal. It is no different than having a crush on a boy at school and then you find out he has a girlfriend. You will soon get over this hill, and when you do, I suggest that if you are looking for a boyfriend, keep the search simple. Dating should be a way to have fun and get to know what you are looking for in a guy. I hope my advice has helped a little. If you need to talk any more about this or anything else, I'll respond. Good Luck! 

-Lindsey- 

Hi Lindsey 

i don't know if you got my other message, or maybe you've just been really busy, but thank you for your advice. I'm glad that it's normal to have a crush on celebrity and be a little upset to find out that he is taken. This weekend has been better then the past 3 weeks, i haven't thought about jay as much and have gotten us to the fact that he is taken lol (laugh out loud). As a matter of fact i am looking for a boyfriend but couldn't get a hold of one so i guess i jsut used jay as an imaginary one lol. I do like this guy at school and he is no longer with his girlfriend and i asked him if we had a chance and he said " maybe, but don't get your hopes up." so i'm kind of confussed. I don't know if he said that as a no or he just said that because he still likes his ex. anyways ttyl have a great weekend if you need any help with anything i'll listen and try to help as much as i can. 

*Christina* 

 
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September 26, 2005, 11:16 am PDT

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 Dear Christina:
My heart sank as I watched the show. I have a daughter in law that was as sweet as they come before the marraige to my son. I was so excited that my son found this girl. After the marraige all hell broke loose. She has some real issues that she is not dealing with and it always gets turned around where I am the bad guy. IMy own mother-in-law thought her son deserved someone better than me and made our life extremely difficult. So I determined to be a better mother-in-law. However nothing I did was ever good enough. I found myself tip toeing around so as not to upset her. If my daughter in law got upset I was not going to be seeing my son or grandchildren. I know some have taken your coment about the house in the negative. I have bought my daughter in law really expensive gifts in order to prove to her that I love and accept her. She still claims that I don't like her and don't have anthing to do with her. It will be over a single word the bickering starts. She wants me to call her friend. If I say she is more than a friend to me she gets mad, tells my son I am being mean to her. He calls me and wants me to apoligize. I didn't do anything wrong. If I remind them about the gifts I got her, I do it only to show that I am supportive and not mean. I am not looking for a pat on the back.  My daughter in law is manipulative and controling. It is as if she is at war with me and I never wanted anything but to get along. If she wants me to watch the grandkids and I tell her I can't she accuses me of being a bad mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Every holiday is a nightmare. She is mad about something and the whole family is going to know it. 
I do not have any problems with my other son''s wife. She is very honest and straight forward. If she doesn't like something she tells me to my face. Her goal is to keep the family. I am persuaded my first daughter-in-law is looking to destroy the family. There has to be others out there who are struggling with the daughter-in-laws. I would love to hear some support here. Christina I don't have the answer. However I do understand your heartache.
Sonshine
 
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September 26, 2005, 11:25 am PDT

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 Dear Christine:
My heart sank as I watched the show. I have a daughter in law that was as sweet as they come before the marraige to my son. I was so excited that my son found this girl. After the marraige all hell broke loose. She has some real issues that she is not dealing with and it always gets turned around where I am the bad guy. IMy own mother-in-law thought her son deserved someone better than me and made our life extremely difficult. So I determined to be a better mother-in-law. However nothing I did was ever good enough. I found myself tip toeing around so as not to upset her. If my daughter in law got upset I was not going to be seeing my son or grandchildren. I know some have taken your coment about the house in the negative. I have bought my daughter in law really expensive gifts in order to prove to her that I love and accept her. She still claims that I don't like her and don't have anthing to do with her. It will be over a single word the bickering starts. She wants me to call her friend. If I say she is more than a friend to me she gets mad, tells my son I am being mean to her. He calls me and wants me to apoligize. I didn't do anything wrong. If I remind them about the gifts I got her, I do it only to show that I am supportive and not mean. I am not looking for a pat on the back.  My daughter in law is manipulative and controling. It is as if she is at war with me and I never wanted anything but to get along. If she wants me to watch the grandkids and I tell her I can't she accuses me of being a bad mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Every holiday is a nightmare. She is mad about something and the whole family is going to know it. 
I do not have any problems with my other son''s wife. She is very honest and straight forward. If she doesn't like something she tells me to my face. Her goal is to keep the family. I am persuaded my first daughter-in-law is looking to destroy the family. There has to be others out there who are struggling with the daughter-in-laws. I would love to hear some support here. Christine I don't have the answer. However I do understand your heartache.
Sonshine
 
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