Dealing with toxic in-laws, like an overbearing mother-in-law, can put serious strain on any marriage. From boundary-crossing behavior to public smear campaigns on social media, these situations test couples’ patience, communication, and loyalty in unexpected ways.
Hello Bright Side!
So, some background: after I got married to Jack, my MIL basically stalked my social media. She’d constantly comment or DM me things like, “Why don’t you post more about Jack? Do you even love him?” I can’t post a selfie without her jumping in.
At first, I tried to ignore it. But it went on for months. She’d send me screenshots of my own Instagram with “feedback.” Finally, I snapped and just blocked her everywhere.
Well. That same night, my phone rings at like 1AM. It’s her. She’s literally hissing into the phone, “You’ll regret this.” Creepy...
But whatever, I fall back asleep, and then my husband wakes me up looking pale. He whispers, “My mom just started a public thread about you.” My stomach dropped. Y’all, I opened it and my jaw was on the floor.
She had made this giant post tearing me apart. She wrote that I was “controlling Jack,” “isolating him,” and “lying about our marriage.” She even posted pictures of me and tagged random family members to “expose” me. I felt sick.
The next morning, my husband told her to come over. When she arrived, he was ice-cold. He straight up said, “You’ve crossed boundaries repeatedly, despite Lucy’s wishes. I’m done.”
Then he dropped the hammer, “I’m the one who told her not to include me in her posts. I don’t like photos, and you’ve been calling her a liar this whole time.”
She tried to scream about how I had “mind-controlled her precious boy,” but my husband just told her to leave and basically forced her out.
The next day, we decided to change our numbers, block her everywhere, and even change the locks so she couldn’t show up.
So yeah. That’s where we’re at. My MIL is out here making public smear campaigns, and now she’s totally cut off. I still don’t know what’s her problem.
Would you guys go fully no-contact in this situation? Or should we expect her to try some kind of crazy stunt next?
Thank you in advance,
Lucy
Get a lawyer to send a cease and desist letter asap , keep her blocked , go full nc ! She’s unhinged, I’m a mother of two kids one a lad ,21 n no way would I do this ever ,I refuse to be that monster in law , I’m not to my daughter either who’s fella practically lives with us ,this inhuman one clearly don’t wanna let her umbilical cord go , so glad he’s on your side ,good luck ,n if the letter don’t work protection order report her to the police for harassment !!
While what SHE was doing is MORE THAN a little CONTROLLING, if you weren't on social media it would not be a problem. I only say that because I don't do any social media, and I don't know what the big deal is about posting every moment in your life. That said, you are very blessed to have a husband that backs you up and won't let his mother go on treating you like you "stole her little boy". The people who respond or agree with her crap are no better. Even those of us that reply to the posts on this site, giving "advice". I think that you can get some great information about what you have gone through, but always take our responses with a grain of salt, and then make your own decision. Hopefully it will be one that benefits you without hurting someone else. Sometimes you don't have a choice and people will get hurt, but if they don't care about hurting you or your reputation then do what you gotta do.
You did what you needed to do. A restraining order might be a good idea also
She is mentally ill. Cutting her off was the only way. Try to find someone who can suggest she get some kind of treatment. She is clearly unwell as well as
dangerous.
She wants her son to be just hers. No woman will ever be good enough. Controlling.
Long comment short, "SHE DESERVE IT" 👹👹
Btw, just wanted to let you know that it's "A tooth for a tooth" not "teef." I usually upvote you but 🤷. Not trying to embarrass you just, I'd want to know. Have a good night.
She knows and we all know what she means, so, not a big deal. I have fought the urge to do the same thing as you.
Thanks for sharing your story, Lucy! That takes guts, especially when it’s this personal and messy. We tried to pull together some pieces of advice that might help you feel less alone and more grounded in all this chaos. Hopefully, at least one of these hits home and gives you a little clarity moving forward.
In the end, these challenges can actually strengthen relationships by showing who’s truly in your corner. With firm boundaries and mutual support, couples can come out of family drama even closer and more united.
