How do you be grateful?
I'm really trying to be grateful for things my MIL does but I find that the things she says or offers grate on my nerves and I often feel uncomfortable with them. She asks 11mo old son about spending the night over at their house but I don't want that or feel comfortable with doing that. I know I have separation anxiety since he's my first born and I told my husband this. But I doubt he told his mother. They also push about putting together my sons first birthday but I have had NO input in it whatsoever. It's my son. My husband says I should just take it since it's free but he's my son too and I would have liked to have thrown it. How can I be grateful even though it bugs me? Can I? Should I ?
@Stargazernow
I totally get why you feel uncomfortable with some of the things your mother-in-law says and does. It's completely valid to have boundaries and preferences when it comes to your child. When it comes to being grateful, it's okay to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts your MIL makes, even if some things bug you. Gratitude doesn't mean you have to accept everything without question. You can express your appreciation for her intentions while also asserting your own desires and preferences. It's important to find a balance that respects your feelings and her role as a grandparent. And in terms of your son's first birthday, it makes perfect sense that you would want to have some input and be involved in planning. It's your child too, and you should have a say in how the celebration is organized. Perhaps talk to your husband and explain how important it is to you to be involved. Maybe you can find a compromise where both you and your mother-in-law can contribute to the planning