Not all daughters-in-law may show the same conduct and change based on their relationships. Some could be selfish, impolite, and even disrespectful. But what could be toxic daughter-in-law signs? If you have been having a hard time with your daughter-in-law, you might want to know if she is deliberately annoying you or if it is your misconception about her. Keep reading the post for some common toxic daughter-in-law signs that can clarify your instincts. Once you are sure of her intentions, you will know how to deal with her.
12 Signs Of A Toxic Daughter-In-Law
1. She is controlling
Does your daughter-in-law want you to go her way? Does she keep a tab on you? Maybe she wants to stay superior to you and trouble you in every way possible. She might want to impress the family by showing you down. It is unacceptable behavior that you cannot bear with. How to deal: As she is new to the family and wants to adjust soon, she could be trying different ways to look the best. Express how you feel when she controls you. But if she doesn’t get you, start saying ‘no’ to things you don’t like. Be firm in your actions, irrespective of how she reacts. For example, if she tries to control your spending, you may begin asserting the boundaries.
2. She is selfish
She thinks only about herself and not about the family. And she keeps you at the bottom of her priority list. She doesn’t care about your well-being and preferences and wants you to listen to her. However, when she needs something from you, she acts sweet. But later, she becomes sour as usual. How to deal: Try to communicate that her nature is disrupting the family’s mood or see if some adjustment is possible. Maybe she was pampered while growing up, or maybe she is a single child of her parents. Such things can impact one’s personality. But if you find her unchanged even after the open conversation, keep a distance from her. Also, don’t keep falling to her demands.
3. She is unpredictable
Being unpredictable is not a negative trait. However, it is not easy to deal with if she has mood swings as it could affect your mental well-being. For instance, she is nice to you one day and behaves rudely the next day. This way, you might not understand her intentions. How to deal: Instead of getting afraid and suppressing yourself in front of her, try to talk with your son to find solutions. You could even invite friends and relatives’ home or visit them to keep yourself distracted, cool, and calm. Maybe giving her time could bring a change in her.
4. She is spiteful
When people dislike you, they tend to be good with everyone but not you. If your daughter-in-law gives you the silent treatment, points the finger at you, and even threatens you, it shows she is ready to spite you. She could even talk harshly to hurt you. How to deal: You may talk to her to figure out if she has any issues with you. If she is open, you both could try to resolve the tension. But if you find her adamant and arrogant, do not try to change her because she might take everything negatively.
5. She is dominating
She could be following in your footsteps only to impress you so that you fall for her. She might help you with chores, adopt your religious practices, and even learn how to manage a household. But once you get smitten by her, she might try to manipulate you sweetly. Behaving too pleasant and soft than usual could also be a toxic trait often overlooked. How to deal: Keep observing to know her true colors. Be nice to her when she is, but be firm with your points when she tries to dominate you. You may take things with a grain of salt so it leads to less disappointment later.
6. She brings her husband into trivial matters
If you are not falling for her tricks, standing up to your points, and not being provoked by her tactics, she might bring her husband (your son) between you. She might try to manipulate your husband and play a victim card to get his attention and to keep you away from your son, which is unacceptable. How to deal: Let her play the tactics, and you keep calm. Do not try do the same. Her evil intentions would not succeed, and your son will know about her in time.
7. She blames you for everything
A toxic daughter-in-law would want to show you wrong in front of the family. For example, she might blame you for spoiling her children, she could accuse you of not bringing up her child in the right manner, and even could say you disrespect her family (when you don’t). Her actions reflect that she wants to pull you down, so she tries different ways. How to deal: Don’t allow her words to impact you. You know what you do and what you are, so be yourself. Your loved ones know you, and there is no way that anyone could believe her false stories in the long run.
8. She plays games
When she cannot control you, she might try playing emotional games to control your son. She might blackmail him or even cry to be at your side. She might even tell her husband that you love your other children more. She could play around probably to separate you and your son. How to deal: If you tried talking to her and understood that her intentions are insensitive, then you should give her space. Even if you are already giving her space, it is wise to move a bit more away from her, so she doesn’t harm you or your son mentally.
9. She disrespects you
Does she taunt you in front of the family? Does she put across disapproving remarks on you? Does she compare you with herself? Even though you are a good mother-in-law, you are friendly with her, and you have many admirers, she doesn’t regard anything as she dislikes you. She might snap at you, disagree with you, and even be discourteous—all these show she disrespects you. How to deal: Respect should not be asked for. Be who you are and do what you wish to do. Do not try to convince and be behind her to get respect. Be yourself.
10. She talks behind you
Your friends and relatives must have told you that your daughter-in-law talks bad about you in your absence. Even after being so friendly with her and helping her adjust in your family, if she talks behind your back, it shows she doesn’t have value for you. How to deal: Do not keep explaining to your friends and relatives how you treat her. Neither confront your daughter-in-law. Anything you do will not stop her from back-biting you, so leave it to her.
11. She is aggressive
Whenever there’s a disagreement at home, you find her throwing things, screaming, or harming herself. It is toxic behavior that could make you and your family feel unsafe. How to deal: Talk to her when she is calm. Maybe she has her problems and needs help. Shower some love on her by showing affection. It could melt her heart, and she could share her inner thoughts with you.
12. She doesn’t let you talk to her children
This could be heart-wrenching. If she is trying to put distance between you and your grandchildren, it is clear that she doesn’t trust you. Instead of explaining the importance of family and grandparents, she teaches wrong lessons to her children. How to deal: Talk to her when there’s nobody at home and know what’s in her mind. Even after communicating your thoughts, if she is adamant and thinks she is doing right, let it go. If your grandchildren love you, they will come to you sooner or later.
She has seen her mother not getting along with her mother-in-law, and she is portraying similar behavior She feels overwhelmed with the newfound responsibilities She does not get along with or like the husband’s family
They may fight over the attention of the son or the husband There may be tension due to the division of resources and work in the house The mother-in-law may not have approved of the daughter-in-law The daughter-in-law may find the mother-in-law too nosy or dominating, or vice-versa
