I have been married for 9 years and has stayed in my two first years of marriage with my in-laws. My husband got a job in another province and I moved with him and my daughter. My mother in law is too protective of her son and loves him too much; he can not let go. She was persisting for years that she is tired of staying in her house (with a helper). She used to cry when we had to go back to work after our visits and wanted to stay with her son. She has two daughters who are both married and not taking care of her, let alone phoning her or inviting her to visit them.

Last year she succeeded in selling her house and moved in with us. This has been very difficult for me, because for years I have been staying with my husband and kids (who are now two). She discusses everything with him — Doctor’s appointment, she watches soccer with him, she wants his attention.

Recently I went with my husband on a business trip, she was going along, telling my helper that she is going with me and my husband. She was to accompany us on our vacation (holiday trips). I was suffocated by her presence, but recently I asked the Lord for his guidance and for help as I normally turn to Him for everything. The Holy Spirit told me to forgive Her for everything, focus on him alone and my kids, and also to let go of whatever she does. I am ok now. I thank God.

I want to ‘honor’ his mom by being respectful but circumstances make it so difficult that at times I get depressed and cannot confide in my spouse as he would view anything I have to say about his mother as my way of trying to chase her out of our home. As a result there is so much tension between his mom and I that we hardly speak to each other. How do I continue to honor her even when she does and says words that are disrespectful to me?