Dear Mary: I can't stand how meanly my mother-in-law treats my wife and children - but my wife won't let me say anything to her

"My wife's mother is incredibly demanding and is never grateful for anything we do for her."

"We took her on our annual holiday. Obviously she didn't do the activities with us, but we made sure we got good accommodation and ate in good restaurants so that she would feel she had had a nice break."

"All we have heard since then is where her niece took her sister on holidays, and how it was much nicer than where we took her."

A wife's mother displays demanding behavior and lacks gratitude for the couple's efforts. The couple invited her on their annual holiday but she did not participate in shared activities. The couple booked comfortable accommodation and chose quality restaurants to ensure she experienced a pleasant break. After the holiday, the mother focused on comparisons, repeatedly describing a relative's trip as superior. The persistent comparisons and lack of appreciation created emotional strain and undermined the couple's efforts to provide care and hospitality, contributing to ongoing family tension and frustration.

Read at Independent