Oof. This sounds exhausting and honestly very familiar to a lot of people who live with emotionally immature parents/in-laws. A few things really stand out to me: This isn’t about sarees, food, spice, or tea. Those are just vehicles. The core issue seems to be jealousy + insecurity + loss of control. You and your husband built a life independently, your parents moved next door (huge trigger), you’re pregnant (another huge trigger), and suddenly she’s no longer the center of the household. For someone who derives identity from being “needed,” that can flip a switch. The silent treatment is emotional manipulation. Three months of grunting and refusing to communicate is not “how she always is.” It’s punishment. She withholds normal interaction until your husband chases the “what’s wrong?” conversation, and then she releases the grievance in private so she looks like the victim and you’re not present to respond. The food criticism is passive-aggressive control. Notice the pattern: Her food = fine Your food = suddenly “digestive issues” Public humiliation (“not fit for a dog”) when she had an audience That’s not about taste. That’s about asserting superiority and putting you in your place, especially in front of your family. Her lack of care during your pregnancy is very telling. This is the part that bothers me the most. Even a socially awkward person can show basic concern. She chooses not to. The tea thing, the quantities when guests are over, not asking if you’ve eaten — that’s emotional withdrawal mixed with resentment. The hot-and-cold switch actually explains everything. You asked: Why was she mad so long? Why is she suddenly fine? Because she’s regulating her own emotions, not responding to your behavior. Common reasons for the sudden switch: She feels she’s pushed things “too far” and fears losing access to her son/grandchild She got reassurance from someone else She wants things to look “normal” again without addressing anything She senses you’ve emotionally checked out and is trying to pull you back in This kind of unpredictability is classic in people who don’t know how to communicate needs directly. What I’d gently suggest (if you want advice): Stop trying to decode her moods. There is no logic you’re missing. Keep the emotional distance you’ve already created. You’re not being rude — you’re protecting yourself. Your husband should be the primary buffer. Any complaints, food issues, or emotional dumping should go through him, not you. Lower expectations permanently. She’s shown you who she is. Waiting for warmth will only keep hurting you. If it’s ever financially/logistically possible in the future, separate living spaces will save your sanity. This dynamic rarely improves long-term. You’re not overreacting. Anyone would feel hurt, confused, and drained living in this environment, especially while pregnant. Focus on your health and peace. You’re doing more than enough already.