How can I tell my mother in law to back off?
277 Answers
Moderated by Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC
Updated: Mar 24, 2022
ChitChatBug
on
Jan 15, 2016
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That can definitely be a touchy scenario. To avoid confrontation, you could ask to speak with her privately and sit down with her.
Gently let her know that whatever the situation at hand you're dealing with is between you and your wife/child/parent/friend/whomever, and that you'd appreciate it if she'd let you take care of it on your own.
Just let her know that if you do in any case need her advice - you'd ask for it! This could give her the nice ego boost she needs after telling her to keep out of your business :)
Anonymous
on
Jan 21, 2016
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I'm sure your mother in law has your best interests at heart, parents tend to do things we don't like out of love but we don't always believe that. If you need more independence then all you can do is talk to your mother in law. Tell her how you feel. Be open with her.
Anonymous
on
Feb 5, 2016
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There are 2 ways to go about this. 1) Lay it down on her hard, she needs to know how you feel, you are important and your feelings, so just tell the truth and that you just want a bit of space. Or 2) Say it gently so she doesn't feel offended. Both of these in my opinion are good ideas, it could understand how frustrating it is to have someone always in your face!
SnowboardingPro90
on
Apr 21, 2016
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It really depends on the situation and your age. I would mainly start by saying this is your life and you are old enough to know what you are doing and have been successful so far.
Anonymous
on
Jan 27, 2016
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Dealing with in laws is hard,especially when they're always butting in . Politely ask her to have a conversation with you
Tell her that while you respect and understand her need to be involved with your partner's life,he/she is in a union. Explain that some issues are best discussed between your partner and yourself, and while you may appreciate her input, you would appreciate it if she let you guys discuss stuff by yourselves..Good luck!
Anonymous
on
Feb 14, 2016
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Trying to tell your mother in law to back off might seem scary but I know you can do it!! I would let her know that you would like to talk to her, one on one and let her know how much she means to you. Tell her that you need a little space during this time in your life, that it has nothing to do with her but someday's you need your space.
BecauseofOpenMinds
on
Mar 3, 2016
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What emotions would you like to communicate behind your message to her? What relationship would you like to have at the end, and what other goals do you have in mind with this conversation? These are important to think of before such a complex discussion with this important person. When telling her to back off, we must remember that there are many people's emotions and futures involved, but that you must put your own needs and self care first. Your needs are the end goal, but the needs of the rest of the family can be considered along the path to get there.
xAbigail
on
Jan 27, 2016
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Just let her know that you do not feel comfortable being there and try to get away. Ask a parent or a friend to assist you.
Greatlistener87
on
Feb 3, 2016
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Its always good if you can talk to your spouse about the situation first and make sure that your spouse understands how it makes you feel. If possible bring your spouse along when you are going to talk bout it with you mother in law and make sure your spouse understands how important this is to you.
soundthoughts
on
Feb 10, 2016
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The best way to effectively communicate with someone is to calmly express how their actions directly affect you and how they make you feel. Sharing emotions joins the gap between the situation and the anger or stress in the relationship.
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