Our in-laws become part of the family, and we often wish for close, loving connections with them. Sadly, that’s not always true. In this article, we share some surprising and even strange stories about mothers-in-law—events so unbelievable you might think they were made for TV. Whether you believe it or not, these tales are all real.
Story 1:
My husband and I had been saving money to go on a trip. His mom was crying about her debts, so we decided to delay our plans to help her out. A few days later, she gave me a big porcelain cat. I said something like “That must have cost a lot.” She patted my back and said, “Well, my son told me he didn’t really want to go on that trip!”
I was shocked! Later that night I talked to my husband; he looked stunned too and insisted he was just as excited about the trip as I was! He claimed his mom often made up stories for him.
That day taught me to keep some distance from her because her lies could ruin my relationship.
Story 2:
My mother-in-law posted the picture we wanted for our pregnancy announcement cards on Facebook before we could tell any close family members! After asking her not to do it again she revealed the baby’s gender online too.
Story 3:
Before my wedding started, my ex-mother-in-law yelled because I forgot the crystal cake topper she ordered. The phrase “That mean girl did this ON PURPOSE to embarrass me!” echoed loudly after everyone went silent from shock at her outburst. Sadly this is just one of many stories about that awful woman.
Story 4:
After announcing my pregnancy, my mother-in-law started having stomach pains and claimed she couldn’t eat anything at all! Three years later she’s still complaining about it.
Luckily we live far apart so it’s only an occasional comment but honestly I can’t handle the drama!
Story 5:
My husband’s mom was told there would be no speeches at our reception but while I wasn’t looking she rushed up during dinner took over the mic and gave a five-minute sobbing speech about “losing her son.”
Story 6:
About ten years ago while traveling with my in-laws,my mother-in-law asked me why I’d get a tattoo saying “It looks unprofessional.” So i replied “Because it’s fun,” trying not to argue but just get along with everyone.
She shot back saying “That’s not an adult answer!” What kind of silly response is that?
I finally snapped back saying “You want an adult answer? Fine! I’m an adult & don’t need permission from anyone including you.” She didn’t talk with me for days after!
Story 7:
My mother-in-law organized a naming ceremony for my first child inviting around 150 people but neither myself nor any family members were invited! We lived far away yet i could have gone within one week.
Story 8:
When she found out I’d planned a vacation with hubby,she showed up unexpectedly carrying bags behind her saying “Hope you don’t mind if i join!” ignoring our protests completely.
For an entire week,she controlled everything insisting every meal & activity were all HER ideas!
By vacation’s end she’d ruined what should’ve been romantic time turning it into chaos instead.I came home sunburned & exhausted from dealing with in-laws!
Story9:
When kids were little,she invited them over Christmas at boyfriend’s place claiming ”It’s best OP doesn’t come.” My husband took kids without me leaving alone during holidays which horrified boyfriend.I moved halfway across country without friends or relatives;she wanted me spending Christmas by myself!
Story10:
One night while dining at his parents’ house,mom handed something weird – cotton women’s underwear (yuck!). Dropped them immediately exclaiming,”These aren’t mine!” They weren’t mine either!
Turns out they belonged sister who left them behind when visiting us.Even if they WERE mine why leave laying around? And why hand them over during dinner?
Story11:
Mother-In-Law gifted ugliest glass set ever as engagement present (spoiler alert: matches hers) promising Italian cookies wedding favors.Our destination wedding required three-hour flight away.She baked cookies weeks ahead mailing rotten ones by big day!
Story12:
When kids were small again asked husband children spend xmas w/her boyfriend stating,”Best OP doesn’t come.” Hubby took kids leaving alone once more.Her bf looked shocked.I relocated across nation without friends/family wanting ME alone xmas time!
