Question from friend

 

My friend:- How do I handle a tough mother-in-law who interrogates me a lot? She even asks how much we pay for dinner when we eat out. Can you give me some tips?

Me:- Okay, here's an idea. When your mother-in-law asks questions that are none of her business, you might try this. For example, when your mother-in-law asks about how much you paid for dinner, you could ask her, "What do you think is a reasonable amount?" She will be a little stunned because she is expecting you to give her a requested answer. Keep pressuring her for an answer and when she finally gives one, tell her, "Yes, it was about that amount."
Keep trying to make her questions into questions about how she feels or what she thinks. For example, she might say, "You look tired. What time do you go to bed at night?" Pause and then ask, "What do you think is a reasonable time?" If she says 8 or whatever, again you reply, "Yes, it was about that time."
She may not get the message and may even get frustrated. That's when you tell her in the most polite way that her question is personal. Or you could even ask her, "What time do you and your husband go to bed?" If she says (hopefully) that is personal, she has given you permission to say the same to her.
A relationship with a mother-in-law can be challenging but it can also be fun. Getting your point across with good humor and even a few laughs is also a great way to have a good relationship. This is another example. If she asks about what you are having for dinner, tell her it's her son's favorite meal. If she says, "Do you mean he is having chicken and rice?" Your answer could be, "Why I would never serve him that because that is your special dish which he loves. I am serving him noodle soup and biscuits."
Always try to praise her and tell her often that she must have been a wonderful mother because she has an amazing son. Flattery is another way to make her feel better and hopefully less intrusive