I am BU because stepMIL is a lovely kind person. But ARGH

[ContessaLovesTheSunshine]

She arrived to stay last night and will stay tonight as well. She is off to an exotic country on Sun (alone, with a travel company) and is flapping about it - she did warn us she would do this. FIL is in tow but is buggering off at the earliest opportunity to his own social event and is not especially emotionally supportive at the best of times, so he's no use. DH is mostly hiding from her when he can and nodding emphatically regardless of content when cornered.

Basically she is flapping, flapping, flapping and I am fighting the urge to bang my head into a wall because unconsciousness seems like the only way to stop her talking to me. I'm not convinced even that would stop her tbh

I'm being unkind. Outwardly I am doing my best smile and reassure, smile and reassure. She is a lovely person and a kind one, and far more of a grandparent than DH's mum. But God I am struggling today

Please hold my hand and tell me your stories of nice yet annoying people you have nobly borne with!

P.S. I'm aware there will probably be a thread like this about me in 30 years' time. I am comfortable with that

....aaaaand she's gone. Took her into town for an emergency phrase book trip yesterday afternoon, but that was fine because of the firm "I will MEET YOU BACK HERE in 1 hour" messaging. She calmed down a bit over her single pre-dinner beer, and redeemed herself entirely by suggesting DH and I go out; she said that a) this is what grandparents should do and b) she had a BBC4 drama she quite wanted to watch so we went out and it was very pleasant.

She's more of a bag of nerves this morning, but I think I would be as well! As I said, she's a good sort. I hope she has a fab time and that anxiety doesn't spoil her holiday. Thanks all for the company and helping me to remain supportive and non-stabby

Where’s she going?

My dh flaps before holidays. Gets v v flappy and everyone has to be involved. I’ve learnt to plan a night out on the travelling eve so he can flap at home in peace.

Well done OP for the not stabbing.