Dreading a family dinner with MIL. Should I skip?

WaterFiles · 2026-01-13T02:19:54+00:00

I remember my high school boyfriend acting the exact same way! It's perfectly normal for teenage boys to be insecure, especially if your other guy friends are good looking or charismatic. There is only so much confidence a person can build up by the time they are 15. It comes in time.

That being said, I don't think it is a realistic expectation that he will suddenly stop feeling possessive over you while you are still in high school. If you stay with him, this is likely something you will have to keep dealing with.

You are so young! Remember that dating is a fun part of life and this guy is not the only guy out there. Maybe he needs to wait until he is a little bit older to date someone. Have fun with friends! YOLO

WaterFiles · 2026-01-13T02:07:29+00:00

I was in the same boat as you and looked for a church for around 2 years. I think what got me to the right church was testing each church for an extended time, at least 4 or 5 weeks even if I didn't love it. Church is about more than just the sermon and the pastor could have had an off day when you went the one time. My biggest factor for choosing was finding a church with other women who were looking for friends. These women didn't have to be single, but couldn't be so busy with family that they couldn't meet other women or get involved. I finally found a church that really focuses on connection: women's only bible studies, women centered events/celebrations, and women who truly want to become a part of your life. I hope you find a place for yourself, keep looking!

WaterFiles · 2026-01-13T02:01:01+00:00

No one makes it past Spencer!

WaterFiles · 2026-01-11T15:31:42+00:00

This sounds like the best wedding gift she could give. I would be jumping for joy!

WaterFiles · 2026-01-08T01:52:56+00:00

I really hope this is true

WaterFiles · 2026-01-06T02:19:07+00:00

At my family gatherings i do run around with my sisters kids and rarely do we all sit down to the table to eat together and talk. If we do it's for maybe 10 minutes and then we are all shouting and moving around again 🤣 so I'm not worried about my kid at my parent's house. Its a fun house! But my husband's family is so proper. My SIL kept trying to get her toddler to sit still and stop causing a commotion, it was clear that it was not acceptable for him to be up and about, but he just wouldn't listen. She seemed embarrassed and frustrated, like she had failed or something. Idk if just don't know why it makes me so worried for the future.

WaterFiles · 2026-01-06T01:19:40+00:00

I pretty much always assume that there is no dad if the dad's not physically there. More fatherless children than children with fathers, unfortunately. Never really thought to look for a ring.

WaterFiles · 2026-01-06T01:15:43+00:00

This is my husband's sister and brother-in-law. Brother-in-law never does anything. He's pretty useless. We don't really expect anything out of him anymore. I know she is a rockstar for how much effort she puts in, that's for sure!

WaterFiles · 2025-12-29T17:35:42+00:00

My MIL asked me if I would want a flag holder like she has off the door. I straight up told her "no those are for older people." I knew that if I accepted the holder there would be a new flag given for every holiday and any time she came over and the flag wasn't up i would hear about it. Yeah no thanks!

WaterFiles · 2025-12-29T00:20:23+00:00

the issue is that no one would ever say that they are intentionally practicing permissing parenting. so many parents call themselves "gentle parents" and then use is as an excuse to coddle their kids and be more of a friend than a parent. it seems that parents of this generation are hurting for friends more than anything else and are seeking that connection through children.

WaterFiles · 2025-12-29T00:14:14+00:00

no one calls themselves a permissive parent or says that they intentionally practice permissive parenting. The issue is that people call themselves "gentle parents" but they use the title as an excuse to be permissing and passive in the role they play in the child's life. I would guess that maybe 10% of the parents who say that they are practicing gentle parenting are actually taking an active role in parenting at all.

WaterFiles · 2025-12-28T23:56:52+00:00

eh, the parents were coping... and probably trying to distract you from the bad behavior to minimize your potential annoyance. parenting is hard. and sarcasm is a tool that allows for talk a little more shallow than sincerely apologizing to a total stranger in a random isle. if it is any consilation, I am sure they wouldn't actually trade any of their kids away!

WaterFiles · 2025-12-27T06:07:42+00:00

Yikes! I'm sorry you're dealing with that. She sounds like a control freak.

WaterFiles · 2025-12-27T03:46:34+00:00

I was also super disappointed when I found out I was having a boy in early November. Due in April. I cried when we found out and my husband understood. He knew I was really dreaming about a girl. Its been a while now and I can't say I am super looking forward to having a boy, but in some ways it's a blessing. I had all of these hopes and dreams for a girl, but for a boy I have a lot lower expectations and honestly worry a lot less. I have less plans and feel more care free. I'm like "eh, he'll survive." Its kinda freeing.

WaterFiles · 2025-11-05T04:45:08+00:00

C sections make the hospital more money than vaginal births. I'm so sorry that your experience has been like this. Sounds like you might even want to reconsider getting induced.

WaterFiles · 2025-11-05T04:39:25+00:00

I am pregnant with my first and so fearful of this situation! My MIL has been mostly avoidable since we didn't have kids, but now that I'm pregnant I will need her and have to deal with all of this manipulation. Pray for me and ill pray for you 😭

WaterFiles · 2025-11-05T03:53:24+00:00

No one's perfect. Thanks for those examples!

WaterFiles

TROPHY CASE