I haven't seen my MIL for 18 months (since she 'accidentally' left a voicemail on my mobile calling me a c*nt). I'll be seeing her this weekend and need some advice on how to handle it.
Last week, at the instigation of DH she apologised for this & asked to see DC on her next visit to the UK. I accepted apology and said OK.
The thing is, she'll be staying with BIL who lives nearby and both MIL & BIL are pushing for her to spend a couple of days with us, 'for convenience' and to spend maximum time with DC.
I am aware that the new truce is very fragile so don't want to be obstructive but
a) don't want her in my house any longer than necessary and
b) don't want to risk being alone with her in case of a repeat of last time: This all started because she told DH I'd verbally attacked her when he was out of the room and he believes her to this day (with the attendant marital problems that's led to).
So how do I keep her at arm's length?
What do I do when she starts the inevitable wind-ups, criticism of my parenting style, criticism of every other living being? Worse is what she'll say to DC - previous statement to DD (thankfully too young to understand) 'Don't cry because I won't love you if you cry'
Telling MIL to apologise is the first time DH has even remotely stood up to her, so I want to encourage that, but can't rely on him to back me up again. Our relationship is still shaky because I feel that he puts her first, so I want to avoid dramas.