AITA for telling MIL that she cannot move in with us?

Woman Gets Hated On By In-Laws For Decades, They’re Shocked When She Doesn’t Let Them Move In

In-laws — you can’t live with them, and you can’t send them to another planet! Some in-laws are kind and loving, but others can feel like a daily source of stress, using passive-aggressive comments, unwanted advice, and family drama to make your life harder.

When it comes to toxic family relationships, setting strong boundaries is very important. Some in-laws act entitled, expecting special treatment like they are royalty. This can cause major issues in your mental health and even harm your marriage.

The popular phrase “Mi casa es su casa” (my house is your house) does not mean your home becomes their personal retirement plan! Especially when a narcissistic mother-in-law treats you like the “evil stepmom” from every Disney movie — just like the experience one Reddit user shared.

If you are struggling with difficult in-laws, learning about family counseling, conflict resolution, and relationship advice can help you protect your happiness and your home. Always remember, emotional well-being should come first.

Read for more info Reddit

Some in-laws bring pie when they visit, others bring entitlement with a side of passive aggression

One woman refuses to allow her in-laws to move in with her and her husband and take care of them after decades of being insulted and mistreated

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The original poster (OP) and her husband have been together since they were 16 years old. They married young, had children early, and now, as empty nesters, they were ready to enjoy a peaceful, relaxed life. Maybe even sneak in a quiet nap without interruptions! However, the OP’s toxic mother-in-law had very different plans.

Without asking or even discussing it, the mother-in-law and father-in-law decided they would move in after their daughter left for college. Why? Because, in some cultures, elderly parents living with adult children is traditional. But there was a big problem: the mother-in-law had spent over 20 years treating her daughter-in-law terribly — like unwanted family.

We’re talking about emotional abuse like cold shoulders at family gatherings, being left out of holiday celebrations, and even refusing to acknowledge the OP as a true family member.

So, what did OP do? She went no contact with her in-laws to protect her mental health and emotional well-being, while her husband went low contact. Setting healthy boundaries was the only way forward.

Even though the in-laws were healthy, financially stable, and fully retired, the mother-in-law believed she deserved a free home and a live-in caregiver. But OP and her husband made it clear: that was not happening. They told the in-laws to find their own place to live.

Sadly, the mother-in-law responded with a family smear campaign, spreading lies, guilt-tripping, and name-calling. To make things worse, she even called her daughter-in-law a “white devil,” showing her true colors.

If you are dealing with narcissistic in-laws, always remember: protecting your peace is not selfish. It’s necessary for your happiness, your marriage health, and your mental stability.

Image credits: Wavebreak Media (not the actual photo)
ADVERTISEMENT

Some people just don’t get it — or maybe they’re simply entitled? You can’t treat someone like an outsider for 20 years and then expect free housing and full-time care without a second thought. Entitlement is that sneaky mindset where someone believes the world — and everyone in it — owes them something for no real reason.

It’s not just about wanting nice things; it’s about truly believing they deserve them automatically. Most entitled behavior starts early in life when someone is treated like they are more special than everyone else. Over time, they grow up thinking they deserve more — more attention, more help, more benefits — without earning it.

But here’s the good news: not everyone gives in to entitled people. Smart and strong people set clear family boundaries early on. Boundaries are not selfish — they are essential for protecting your mental health, your emotional energy, and your personal space. Without them, you risk being drained by guilt trips, unsolicited advice, and surprise “we’re moving in” moments.

When you face entitled behavior, stay calm, clear, and consistent. Whether it’s limiting toxic phone calls, politely refusing unexpected visits, or handling passive-aggressive comments with a smile and a firm, “Let’s not go there,” — good boundaries teach others how to treat you. And healthy families, even if they struggle at first, eventually learn to respect those boundaries.

If you’re struggling with toxic relatives, remember: your peace and well-being come first.

What do you think about this story? If you were in the OP’s shoes, what message would your welcome mat say? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

Netizens side with the woman, saying she is not a jerk for refusing to take care of her in-laws after the way they excluded her from the family

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts