Overheard MIl talking to SS

[FanofBusted]

MIL said to SS16 “how is it living with your dad and SM. SM isn’t such an ogre as you think is she?”
how would you feel?

Maybe a clumsy way of saying it, but I'd take that as her trying to be complimentary about you.

Ignore it. It really doesn't matter.

I'd just ignore.

Could have been a lot worse! So SS16 sometimes moans about his stepmum - well that’s no surprise - and MIL is being nice about you, sounds like a win to me.

Me too.

I'd be pleased she was sticking up for me.

This to me - sounds like he's possibly moaned / worried about you to her in the past, and she's basically saying how it's not as bad as he thought it would be because you're not bad!

You MIL is trying to be nice about you and positive as it doesn’t sound like your SS likes you

She's on your team.

Yes thanks. I was way over thinking.

Inflection is everything, was it;

she’s not such an ogre is she.

Or she’s not such an ogre is she??

unless there’s a big backstory I’m going YABU

I found out recently from my SS16 that his mum had told him a pack of lies about me, made out we were friends and I'd stolen DH from her. DH and her had been split up 6 months when we started dating and I don't even know his ex. He's never been rude or anything to me but has always been a bit standoffish which I took as just being a typical teenager.

Since we ironed out a few truths he's been much more chatty with me and has even asked me to teach him how to cook.

Perhaps he's had some misconceptions about you, maybe heard some stories or just hasn't liked the idea of his dad moving on with someone else. Sometimes kids are just wary of new step-parents without any real reason.

I'd take what your MIL as a compliment and like others have said it's good she has your back.

It's a very back-handed compliment.

Did you hear his reply?

He said “what?” And mil repeated her question and SS said “yeah it’s alright” he was dismissive of her question. I didn’t hear the rest as this was caught on the ring doorbell as mil picked up SS.

I wouldn't think much of it. She's was clearly concerned when you started dating as she's been brainwashed by society to believe the evil stepmonster trope. She's now come around.

I thought that too.

I'd take that as most likely 'see you wally, you were worried about nothing, I told you she was nice'

I wouldn't necessarily take it personally.
Perhaps she was just trying to adjust her language to connect with a teenager and to make a lighthearted joke.

A bit awkward but not necessarily ill intended.

it would make me laugh, complimentary in a strange way

Definitely sounds like a clumsy way of praising you.

I would assume he had raised co cerns to her previously and she was checking in.

She’s on your team - I’d be pleased to have her support.