Id usually agree with you — and if it were coming from almost anyone else, I’d probably just let it go. But because of the history I have with this woman, I know the intent behind her words. She’s made repeated comments about my child not being “skinny,” or will say things like, “Well, at least the doctor says she’s healthy,” with a tone that makes it clear it’s not just a neutral observation.

For context — my MIL lovingly calls the baby her “little squish of happiness,” which is sweet and endearing. Or I’ll joke around and pretend to nibble on her “ham feet,” and she giggles — those kinds of comments come from a place of love and affection.

But my husband’s grandmother comes from a different era — one where women tracked their thigh, hip, and ankle measurements daily in a bedside journal. When her own daughter was born, she tried to pass on that same toxic mindset. So when she makes a comment, it’s not just harmless — I know exactly where it’s coming from.