Extreme use of language...AIBU?

[BlueLegume]

I’ve ponderered this for a while before actually posting and fully expect to be criticised. I’m fine with that. My gripe is the way our language or rather the use of it has become so extreme. By this I mean everything is either ‘amazing’ or ‘phenomenal’ or ‘devastating ‘, when in fact most of the time these words should be saved for really ‘amazing’ times or really tragic ‘devastating’ experiences. AIBU and grumpy old woman to think this is diluting the use of proper language and our actuall assessment of situations. I find it fascinating that people refer to everyone they see as ‘ absolutely stunning’ when most of the time they may look lovely but absolutely stunning is just simply an over reaction. I love language and embrace the fact words come and go in terms of fashion but I can’t say I’m a fan of this gushing misuse of extremes. Prepared to be criticised as I said - also understand it’s nice to praise people but my gripe is that there are so many other relevant words we seem to have massively dumbed down how we speak.

Or being sarcastic Charolais ! Is an exclamation mark overly hyperbolic?

@Insomniac

Just had my mum here for a few days. She lives a good few hours away. I probably see her every 6 weeks. She looks after my brother's two young children every other week. I have two young children who she undoubtedly loves. But, everytime I see her I feel awful afterwards and increasingly I'm rising to stuff she says that upsets me.

Everything is about her (when my son did a rolypoly - 'I was a very good gymnast. I used to win the...'. Famous actor on TV - 'When I used to do drama, she was always in the same competitions as me...'. Literally every single thing. She talks about my brother's kids (I have no issue with brother/SiL themselves. We're v close) non stop. My brother is the best dad in the world, in her opinion. My SiL is unfairly criticised. My husband/his family also. I don't think I'm jealous of my brother, but I do get frustrated that he is depicted as having it so tough despite his being in similar circumstances to us (although they have regular grandparent help from both sides of their family which we don't).

I never used to argue with her as a kid because she wouldn't ever back down/drunk a bit and was v emotionally charged. Nowadays I often do get openly cross, e.g. about criticism of SiL or her criticism of choices we've made for our own children (she's awfully judgemental of everyone generally, which riles me). I get emotional and it's not helpful. And - having got to the point where I'm responding - I find it hard to back down. When they're here for several days it really gets on top of me.

I don't think she will change. I also know I am not perfect and - with her - am hugely volatile, can be very cold and offhand and quick to disagree (not at all the way I am with anyone else).

But please help: how on earth do I find a way of enjoying my relationship with her? I know she loves me and my children. And they her. But time together just leaves me so sad. Thanks