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Avatar universal

boyfriends mother....

So i live with my boyfriend at his parents house and i feel like his mom is very controlling and sometimes ridiculous... I am only living here because my boyfriend asked me to while we save for an appt and my parents house is a stressful environment. She has been bugging me about getting a medical card and wic when i myself believe that she just wants the free milk and benefits from wic, which is alot easier to get when you have a medical card. She does not let my boyfriend sleep when he works third shift, waking him up three hours at the most before he has to be up for work, leaving him ridiculously tired because she claims hes not capable of waking himself up (hes 22) When she does this she wakes me up too. She wakes me up  or reminds me to get ready too for my parenting classes an hour before i would wake up or get ready. She yells at us for having so much laundry but insists on locking the laundry room, i cant even do my own laundry. I am losing my mind here!! I feel like i have to hide in our bedroom. And im praying that we dont live here when my baby is born because she has spoiled her other granddaughter rotten, who also lives here. She is never told no and is never punished for being bad. She sleeps in bed with her every night and even sits on her lap when they eat dinner because she says shes not a big girl, she is three years old. I do not want my child to be spoiled or undisiplined. Advice anyone ?? Am considering metro or something with rent assistance... Being here stresses me out so bad and i absolutely cannot live at my parents, my dad is a party animal.
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3060903 tn?1398565123
I've read your other posts,I think it's very responsible for you to have cut out your friends and family that are using. That'on top of not being able to get close to your MIL is sad. I wish that she was more loving, but she probably is so scared her boy is going to go off and get himself in trouble that she's just not handling it well. Too bad for you and too bad for her. Sad.

I think it might help if you went to AA or NA and made some clean and sober friends for yourselves. What do you think about that? You should be very proud of what you've done by getting clean and sober, both of you. Both my husband and myself made friends at AA and NA. It helped after having to leave all of our using friends. Might help to have some sympathetic ears during this time? I wish you the best. You are a brave young family and you deserve all the best that life has to offer.
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3060903 tn?1398565123
How long have you had to live there? how long will it take to get first and last months rent, if your man is working 72 hour weeks? Sounds like you can get out of there quickly. Beggars can't be choosers is an old saying. that i guess is truer than not.

You could learn to use this experience to learn humility. It is a virtue, as well as equanimity is a virtue. It will serve you well in life to know when to back down and let things go that are not important. If your MIL steals milk, if that is her thing, like drugs and alcohol are to an addict. So be it. Let it go.

Number One. You mention that there is no milk or healthy food for you.  I don't understand, if your bf is working 6 days a week, why are you saying there's no milk in the fridge for you? Can you not buy your own food?
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Number two is that by complaining that there is no milk, are you expecting that your MIL buys you healthy food?

Number 3:  Your MIL is saying to get wic, which is you getting milk for yourself. I don't understand exactly why you are not getting your wic. Is that not meant to help you responsibly feed yourself? And it is frustrating your MIL that you haven't gotten it. Is that why you haven't gotten it? Are you purposefully not getting it to bother her?  .

YOU CAN USE THIS EXPERIENCE TO HELP YOU.  There are times when you must humble yourself. With your boss for instance. They are not always right, but you must learn to deal with people that may not be right, and take the high road, and let some things go. Don't let them effect you. I get it that being pregnant is stressful, finding yourself having to humble yourself to live with your bf's family is hard. But you can practice equanimity.

The meaning of Equanimity (Latin: æquanimitas having an even mind; aequus even animus mind/soul) is a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind. The virtue and value of equanimity is extolled and advocated by a number of major religions and ancient philosophies. You can look at Wikepedia and read up on how enlightening it is to hold this virtue , as a person, and certainly as a mother.

Wishing you every bit of luck on your new life clean and sober with your bf. Hope you two are thinking of marriage for the little one. It doesn't need to be expensive, getting married is not about money and it's not about making the guest's happy.  It just makes the kids feel more comfortable going to school. I'm really impressed that you both are working on your sobriety together and wish you the very best.
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Avatar universal
Clearly this living situation is no longer working for you or your boyfriend and it's time to get out of there.  You will continue to be stressed and harassed as long as you stay there, as you well know.  Your only option therefore is to get out of there ASAP. Until you can get out, you're just going to have to deal with her and you might as well be cordial since she's giving you a rent free place to stay in the meantime.
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480448 tn?1426948538
Well, I guess if communication attempts don't get you anywhere, it's best to just try to coexist peacefully, with little interaction, until you can get your own place (hopefully soon).

Good luck!
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Avatar universal
My keyboard stopped working so i had to restart my phone. But my drug issue didnt involve pills and if i was using my baby bumpwwouldnt already be poking out a bit at fourteen weeks to where i cant wear jeans.

My boyfriend has been working six days a week, some of them twelve hour daysand on top of that he goes to five counseling meetings a week so really he has no time to be under the influence. By two of the classes, he could get drug tested twice a week and he is on probation where he  gets drug tested once a month. He hasnt failed a drug test . They watch you pee so if that doesnt prove that hes clean then idk what does. I have tried to talk to her about giving him encouragement so he knows hes on the right track and how hes doing so much better than he was and that im proud of him but she got snooty with me and was trying to pretty much argue with me about that.

I have seen him try to talk to her and she ends up saying absurd things like you cant even take care of a child, i bet you would kill it. He always ends up getting mad and distancing himself from her. She doesnt understand how much he has changed for our baby. i know he wouldnt hurt our child  He loves our baby to death and im only fourteen weeks pregnant. He sings , talks to and kisses my belly at least once a day.

He has also already told her how she makes me feel and that he needs to bafk off and nothing has changed at all about that. She is still breathing down my neck and doesnt give me space at all.  
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480448 tn?1426948538
Oh hon, you'd be surprised.  There's at least 4 or 5 new members on our addiction forum weekly, posting about using while expecting.  It's not an uncommon as you'd think.  I'm willing to bet she probably knows more about your history than you think she does.  Why else would she want to check your prenatal vitamins?

It's wonderful that your BF is working so hard to get back on track...truly that's great.  Just remember, it DOES take time for people to regain trust, especially if the addict treated the loved one poorly while using.  It takes actions not words..,.,and it takes a while, with consistency in the addict's actions.  Has he ever tried to sit her down and honestly tell her how he feels?  That he would appreciate some encouragement instead of negativity?

You'd be surprised at how a little communication can really help a situation.  She may have NO clue how you guys feel, and vice versa.  Give it a try anyway....it will certainly make living there while you have to more tolerable for everyone if you guys can come to some agreements on different things.
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Avatar universal
Yes , we both had problems with substances but what kind of person would she think she is thinking that i would be under the influence while pregnant ? And honestly, she doesnt even know that i had a problem. She knew about her son though but My boyfriend is on probation and gets drug tested once a month and then a possible two times a week through counseling. He works six days a week, some of them twelve hour days and does counseling five days a week on top of that. There is no time to even be under the influence if he WANTED to, but he doesnt anyways. He has changed so much for the better and her constantly bringing him down really bothers me because that doesnt encourage him to continue what hes doing. She acts like he is the same person that he was and hes not.
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480448 tn?1426948538
In looking back on your posts, I see that you have a history of addiction, does your BF also, or just the drinking?

It's awesome that you guys have turned that around and are working towards bettering yourselves, but depending on how things with your addictions went down, it's very hard for the loved ones of addicts to regain trust again.  That could very well explain her seeming overbearing behavior.

Instead of getting upset, have you guys tried sitting down with her, and brokering some boundaries and agreements that would make both parties happy?  Give and take kind of thing?  Like, you could ask her to give you guys a chance to do things on your own (waking up, etc).....and in turn, you could SHOW her that you're going to be responsible about waking up on time to get things done.  If she SEES that, she'll likely be more willing to give you guys more space.

The main problem I see is that you don't seem to be taking any accountability for the situation.  She may very well be overbearing and difficult, but as it stands, you guys sort of are dependent on her right now, so it's best to try to communicate and figure out ways each party can be happy.  It sounds like she just wants to see that you guys are being responsible (and are clean)....and you guys just want a little more independence.  With compromise, it's possible.

Just remember that in some ways, her feelings and concerns are justified.  No one here said she was all wonderful and perfect.  We're just trying to point out that there are always two sides to every situation, and when you see someone react in a certain way (like you did here)....it makes one wonder if that person is willing to be open minded enough to consider their own role in a situation.

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Avatar universal
I dont ask her for absolutely anything at all, thats the thing . She doesnt give me money. She doesnt buy my shampoo, conditioner, or soap. I take a shower there and sleep there when i can actually fall asleep but that is it. I dont have a key to the house so when i leave i am locked out. I am not eating right because all of the food here is absolutely junk food, considering all the healthy food and milk is locked up.  She has even checkd inside my prenatal vitamins that i bought myself to make sure thats what was in them and that is wasnt drugs. She acts like she does so much for me when she has let me stay here just to be harassed and judged and not feel welcomed at all but wants to harass and judge some more when me and my boyfriend talk about moving out. There is no making this lady happy or satisfied. My boyfriend has improved so much and she hasnt once said anything nice to him about it, no im proud of you or anything. He went from not having a job and drinking every day to working six days a week and taking alcohol classes while going to parenting classes.  So while you "ladies" think highly of this lady and tell me to feel thankful shes being so generous, i think all the bad outweighs the good because of how she makes me and my boyfriend feel. I am more stressed out and depressed here than what i was when i lived at my parents house around my dad who drinks every single days and yells when he talks.
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Avatar universal
Ditto SpecialMom again

and Ditto NurseGirl too

This situation is not the "best"situation for anyone involved here - I happen to think Mother in Law is being generous - and Daughter in Law is sounding ungrateful (ungrateful for the Very Good Advice being offered here, as well).
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480448 tn?1426948538
Oh goodness!

Specialmom is a kind, helpful woman who contributes on MANY areas of the site.  Your comments to her are very uncalled for.  There's nothing "trolling" about her posts.  She's been a contributing member (AND a community leader on MANY forums) for years.

It's hard sometimes to not take things personally that we don't want to hear, but it truly isn't personal.  No one here KNOWS you.  People are trying to give you honest advice, not just tell you what you want to hear.

If it's that bad at your MIL's house, then it's best that you guys find alternate living arrangements as fast as possible.

I too wish you luck...I hope you learn to be a little humble, and lose the chip on your shoulder a little bit.  It's not going to be helpful to you.
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480448 tn?1426948538
It's good that you're planning to move out as soon as you can.  I think that's the best solution for everyone involved.

I agree that it sounds like your MIL really is just trying to help.  You guys living under her roof, especially expecting a child really does make some of your business her business.  Her approach may not be the most palatable, but that's usually easier to overlook than you'd think.

I'm sure she doesn't need you to provide her with milk, especially because as you say, they seem to be financially stable.  I agree with SM, that she's probably more than anything, encouraging that you take advantage of the resources that are available to you while you need them.  Same with her waking you guys up and such....in her mind, she's giving two VERY young adults the push they need to prepare themselves for being thrown into parenting, which is life changing.

It sounds to me like you guys are not contributing financially to her household.  Even if she doesn't NEED the money, paying your way is important, more than anything, to show HER that you guys are able to afford paying for most things yourself.  I imagine she's probably worried about your ability to support the baby on the way, which is why she may be a little tougher on you guys than you would prefer.

It sounds like she's pretty generous if you ask me.  Sometimes, it's best to be humble, and not sweat the small stuff, when the bigger stuff is what needs focusing on.  So she's a little intrusive.....she's helped you guys a lot.  Being grateful and thankful would be a nice first step....and definitely, get your ducks in a row so you two can get your own place.  You'll be much happier that way (and likely, so will she).  I'm glad you're planning on working on the future plans as well, because while gov't assistance is certainly there for when you need it, it shouldn't be a long term thing if you're both able bodied.

Good luck to you!
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973741 tn?1342342773
COMMUNITY LEADER
PS:  I talked about abortion on the 'woman's choice' forum as that is a forum that is designed to specifically discuss abortion.  good luck to you
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973741 tn?1342342773
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sweetie, this is the relationships forum of which I'm the community leader of.  Med help isn't just an app but a full website.  

I wasn't trying to insult you but you've taken it that way.  I was just pointing out that some of what your mother in law is probably worried about is valid.  It's hard when you don't have the money to live on your own and it's a good goal to get to that point so that you don't have to be around her if you don't want to.
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Avatar universal
I went to your profile and looked up on your profile... You arent even pregnant and if you didnt know this app is even called "IM EXPECTING" . i looked at the comments you leave people and almost all of them are you talking people  down! And i read how you are pretty much telling girls that abortion is acceptable. I have never gotten an abortion and would never even consider it but one of my old friends did and she was suicidal and had to to counseling over it ! Being depressed after abortion was not mentioned in the two comments i read that were posted in the last twenty four hours on posts. So before you begin trolling on peoples posts how about you think through what you are telling these ladies !! Rant over !
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Avatar universal
Shes not really doing me any favors when she is constantly harassing me about things that are not her business and i am already taking care of, which just stresses me out. Not doing me any favors by locking milk, yogurt and anythinng else healthy in mini fridges around the house that i have no access to. Not doing me any favors by constantly downgrading me and my boyfriend, who has been working six days a week and going to parenting classes with me. Not doing me any favors by saying how we cant be reponsible when she doesnt even give us a chance to when i cant even do my own laundry, when my clothes seem to come up "missing" and i have had to pay for all of my clothea myself or how i cant wake myself or my boyfriend up because she seems to believe shes our alarm clock. All this lady is doing is making me want to rip my hair out bexause its practically impossible to have peace and quiet or even be happy without her driving me up the wall. If my boyfriend didnt ASK ME to come live here, i wouldnt be.
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Avatar universal
She is already a grandma to two grand children that came from her daughter that is the same age as i am. Its not like I'm effecting her lifestyle while being here when her and her husband make enough money to go to the casino at least once a month.  I have had my own place before just had to quit my job considering they were making me crawl under machines and clean up melted medal dust. There is no water bill,  we live in the country.  She hasn't asked for any rent but when we talk about moving out she acts like we aren't able to . My boyfriend works over forty hours a week and is paying for my car to get out the shop (300$ this Friday) and after that we are leaving.  I just don't understand why she would have to be in my business about the medical card when i have insurance now through my mom but have a yearly 1000$ limit and no longer have dental and eye coverage, which is why i am applying for medical card. I dont see why i would even apply for wic when the milk and anything else would be locked somewhere i have no access to. Theres no milk in the fridge at the moment.  And if i did apply for metro it would definitely be temporary and we would definitely have to pay some type of rent based on his income, i just want to get out of this house because its stressing me out how she has her nose in my business when my bills have no concern to her at all, she never has anything nice to say no matter what we do good and how she wants to have two people getting wic in her house when there is four brand new cars in the drive way.
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Avatar universal
Ditto SpecialMom

Your Mother in Law is probably not very excited about this situation either - this creates hardship for Her as well
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973741 tn?1342342773
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sadly, I think this is what happens when young people get pregnant before they are financially independent adults.  You really do need her just to get by.  Perhaps she is wanting you to get wic and a healthcard to move toward being responsible for yourself.  

Do you guys pay rent to her?  pay for the food coming in, pay utilities such as electric and water?  These are all a part of her expenses and I know that most parents do hope that their kids at some point are able to provide for themselves.  And oh my gosh, really should be if they are having a baby!  

I'm not trying to come down on you but to me, she's doing you a major favor to let the two of you live with her.  Probably not easy for her as well.  And I would absolutely be bothering an adult in my home to do something to contribute or to help their situation such as wic and a health card because . . .  well, I can't even imagine being pregnant and not worrying about those things.  

So, I'm sorry it is hard to have an adult telling you to do adult things but sadly, again, this is what happens when we aren't financially independent (and in my opinion, hat doesn't mean relying on the government assistance programs either, that's a short term fix and not a long term way of life I hope) when we get pregnant.  My best advice to you?  Focus on job training and school so that you and your boyfriend can get out of this vicious cycle of needing others to live.  I get that you are working on it----  but I would really recommend that you also make sure you are working on your end of school/job training/ better jobs.  

Wishing you much luck
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9623228 tn?1406019441
I was saying to get your own fridge for your room. I had an issue with my parents. When I moved in and had food stamps, they stopped buying food, and ate the food I'd buy for myself. Especially the peanut butter. My mother goes through a jar a week making peanut butter cookies for her and dad. I absolutely can not eat them. So I bought a jar and put it aside, saying it was mine and they still used it. She literally begged me... luckily, my brother asked me to move in with him as a live in babysitter and I get paid a little so it's not so bad anymore. I have my own food set aside, and I prepare all the food, so I also regulate what food is eaten. Hopefully it gets better for you!
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Avatar universal
OMG! Jst read this and I'm in the same situation she's always bugging me with the wic thing ugh so tired of living here but gotta save money so we can move out once I have our baby even my bd doesn't like to be around his mom >. <
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Avatar universal
Even though she sounds like a pest, she also sounds like she's trying to help. I think she's use to your bf being a child, that comes from your child still living in your house. I agree a talk would just make things awkward. Just learn to cope, until you can find somewhere else to go. Congrats on your baby
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10021507 tn?1407285147
Gosh Sounds kinda just lik my situation with me living with my boyfriend at his parents house. Completely ***** lol then having to wait 3 months to go back to work&so we can move out seems like forever!  But best advice I can give you is to learn to deal with it. Cause your pregnant & she'll still be calling everyyyday for her grandchild lol. Also I suggest writing her an letter to let her kno how u feel, thts what I did.
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Avatar universal
Well actually her daughter already gets wic and they have a mini fridge in her room thats always locked, where they also keep yogurt and all the expensive healthy food. There isnt always milk in the fridge in the kitchen. I dont want to get wic and have my milk locked in someone elses bedroom...
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