Before we get into this episode, trigger warning. Part of this conversation includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.
This week, we're still talking about emotional manipulation. Janelle answers a deeply layered follower question about misaligned expectations between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and how quickly things can escalate when boundaries are ignored.
The follower shares a situation where her soon-to-be mother-in-law invited herself over, berated her in her own home, and lashed out over not having the close, "best friend" relationship she expected. When the fiancé defended his partner, the conflict escalated even further, including a call from the father-in-law claiming the mother-in-law was feeling suicidal because of the distance.
Janelle breaks down why expecting instant closeness without mutual effort isn't normal, how emotionally neutral behavior is often mislabeled as rude, and why yelling at an adult in their own home is never appropriate. She also talks about why many daughters-in-law are guarded, especially after past relationships or toxic family dynamics, and why building trust should look like any other adult relationship.
The episode really digs into emotional manipulation, triangulation, and misplaced responsibility, especially when adult children are made to feel responsible for a parent's emotional well-being. Janelle is clear about what is and is not appropriate, and why taking space after emotionally aggressive behavior is not the same as giving someone the silent treatment.
She talks about the importance of presenting a united front at home, the difference between shared boundaries and individual ones, and why the follower does NOT owe an apology for enforcing basic respect.
For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.
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