DEAR ANNIE: I have been married to my husband for 38 years, and it took me quite a long time to realize that this dynamic of being interrupted was not going to change, no matter what I did or said. That type of person is only interested in listening to themselves talk about family stories and things that happened in the past.
If any of your readers find themselves in similar situations, it might be useful for them to take a discreet survey of all family members when they are being interrupted. I was very surprised to discover, after the fact, that my mother-in-law took my side when I was very rudely interrupted by my brother-in-law.
She left the table, a fact that she confided in my husband later on. She told him that she just couldn’t stand how I was constantly being interrupted. She comes from a background of avoiding confrontation at all costs, so I don’t ever expect her to say anything, but her actions speak loudly enough for me and make me love her all the more. -- Love My Mother-in-Law
DEAR LOVE MY MOTHER-IN-LAW: Being interrupted is rude and frustrating, no matter how you look at it. I’m printing your letter because it is nice to hear someone praising mothers-in-law. Usually, people write in to share their frustrations with them, so it was sweet to hear that you love her and that she saw the situation as you did. When she got up and left the table, she was sending a strong message in her own quiet way. Actions speak louder than words.
NOTE: The above column originally published in 2021.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
