How do you deal with ridiculous siblings- in-law?

Question

My husband's brother just recently got engaged and his fiancee is a piece of work, making it very unpleasant and undesirable to be around her at any time.  This is the first holiday she'll be included in the celebration...any tips for dealing with her outright rudeness and general anti-sociality would be greatly appreciated!

A · Accepted Answer

I have been in the exact same situation for 20+ years.  While at family gatherings, my sister-in-law will pull out a book and read, take a nap, etc.  If there is a family function, she seems to have a set time of attendance and then her family hits the road--usually an hour or so. I have gotten used to the off-color remarks and the total rudeness.  After years of trying the "killing with kindness" routine and looking foolish, I am now cordial and keep my conversation to a minimum as she is not interested anyway.  I socialize with the family members who are pleasant.  Since we are both in-laws in the family, I feel it is best to be pleasant to keep the peace within my husband's family.  He is important to me, not her.  After a few years, you will realize this is really about her and not about you or the family.  That is my mantra, "it's not about me,"  and it keeps me going at these get togethers.  It is always best to be your pleasant self so you will have no regrets in the future.  You will know you behaved properly, which is all you should be concerned about anyway.

Maw-Maw · Answer

When she's rude just look at her and give her that "I know you didn't just do that",look. Kindness will do it every time.If you are the hostess for any affair, don't send them an invitation.I would go to the family member and tell him that you don't really care for her attitude and really don't want to deal with it during the Holidays.

jayne s · Answer

Kill them with kindness.I know it sounds cliche,but trust me it works.I have to deal with a childish sister-in-law.Whenever I see her I'm more than nice and it kills her.If you're the one being nice,then she won't have any back up when she tries to talk crap about you.Besides,it makes you feel a whole lot better than getting into it with them.

Jess H · Answer

By being totally sickeningly sweet to her.  All the time. Stepford-wife sweet.  Other than that, ignore her.

just_me_1955 · Answer

yes nip it in the bud don't take crap from a bimbo  she needs to respect you and your family and if she don't then make no bones about telling her and the B in law that they are not welcome in ur  home

How do you deal with ridiculous siblings- in-law?

5 Answers