Happy & Healthy
HOW DO YOU SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW?
It's just that I'm currently single and don't have to worry about this, and I've also been lucky that all my ex-boyfriends had the nicest mothers, but now and then there's a rotten apple among them in whose eyes you can never do anything right. The mother-in-law from hell. À la Jane Fonda in the movie ‘Monster in Law’. But with the holidays right around the corner, where it's all about being merry and jolly and bright, you can't not send her an invite.
Successfully getting through the holidays with a devilish mother-in-law? Every time to the rescue. And a bit from Katy Rink, author of the book ‘Managing MIL’ (Monster in Law, that is). Here's how you do it:
-Make her feel incredibly welcome. That Christmas isn't complete without her. A little ass-kissing can't hurt. It's only for a short time, bury your head in the sand.
-Is she staying over? Make sure she gets the nicest room in your house. Clean it thoroughly beforehand, even call in a cleaning crew if necessary, because oh dear if there's a tiny bit of dust in that one corner of the room.
-Ensure plenty of distraction in the form of other people. Family members, friends, your neighbors... Anyone who can ensure there's hardly any possibility for one-on-one time with the devil – excuse me – mother-in-law.
“The mother-in-law from hell. À la Jane Fonda in the movie Monster in Law.”
-A tip from a colleague (whose name shall remain disclosed): make it a tradition that you are always on vacation in Tenerife or Grand Canaria at Christmas. Wrong islands, yes (her words, not mine), but the north is often quite cool. And people appreciate that you have your own tradition and will never bother you again with Christmas dinners.
-When I just typed Grand Canaria, my computer decided to turn it into Grand Sangria. I don't know if it exists, but it sounds like the perfect getaway if you want to avoid your mother-in-law.
-Give her a task to do. Make a dish, set the table, untangle the Christmas lights... Something that will keep her busy for a few hours, so you won't have to deal with her.
-Keep in mind the AMS: Alcohol Management Strategy. You can either have a drunk and emotional mother-in-law or a sober one who is way too judgmental. So, don't give her too much, but certainly not too little alcoholic treats.
-Not caring about everything I've just mentioned and celebrating the holidays comfortably at home and not inviting her. Big bye.
Source: Marie Claire UK
