He Believed Therapy Had Healed Their Wounds, But an Unexpected Visit From His Mother-In-Law Sparked an Explosive Confrontation.

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The Original Poster (OP) grapples with the challenges brought by his wife’s strained relationship with her narcissistic parents. The conflict reaches a climax when an unexpected visit from the mother-in-law (MIL) leads to a night of shattered glass and heightened emotions. Faced with backlash from both families, OP turns to a broader audience, seeking validation for his protective actions.

A New Beginning

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OP, a 32-year-old man, has been with his wife for five years. They have been married for three years and are expecting their son. Their initial relationship faced challenges due to OP’s past abusive relationship and his wife’s self-deprecating tendencies.

A Troubling Start

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Just six months into the relationship, OP noticed his wife’s frequent self-doubt and disappointment in herself. It pained OP to see his wife, whom he viewed as amazing, feel so low. Despite their relatively short time together, OP’s deep care for her was evident.

The Push to Therapy

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OP convinces his wife to seek professional therapy. Understanding the depth of their bond and challenges, they opt for couples therapy. The sessions become a turning point in their relationship.

Uncovering the Past

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During therapy, OP’s wife reveals the narcissistic nature of her parents and the favoritism shown to her brother. She always felt “less than,” which has affected her self-esteem ever since. The gravity of her revelations leaves OP in tears.

Healing Together

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The therapy sessions pave the way for healing and reflection. Together, they confront her past traumas, fortifying their emotional bond. It shapes them into the resilient couple they are in the present.

A Delicate Peace

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Time has passed, and there’s been some improvement in the relationship with OP’s in-laws who transition from a ‘no contact’ (NC) to a ‘low contact’ (LC) stance. Despite past difficulties, there’s hope for better family ties.

An Unexpected Visit

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Living overseas, OP’s MIL decides to visit, knowing of the pregnancy. A week into her stay, noticeable changes appear in OP’s wife’s demeanor. The bright spirit that OP loved seemed to have dimmed.

A Night Interrupted

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One night, while OP and his wife are at home, a craving for juice strikes her. An incident unfolds as she ventures into the kitchen to get a drink. OP, returning from the bathroom, is met with a scene of chaos.

Broken Glass and Shattered Peace

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OP finds a glass shattered on the floor in front of his visibly distressed wife while his MIL stands over her, shouting at her. The scene triggers a deep-seated surge of protectiveness in OP, and he reacts unhinged.

The Confrontation

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Unable to contain his anger, OP demands his MIL to leave their home. Threatening to involve the police, he makes sure she exits. With her gone, OP immediately focuses on comforting his shaken wife.

The Truth Behind the Glass

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Upon calming down, OP’s wife reveals the reason behind the conflict. Her choice of apple juice led her MIL to accuse her of potentially harming the baby, and she knocked it out of her hand. The baseless accusation further highlights the strained relationship between mother and daughter.

The Aftermath

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Soon after the incident, OP starts receiving calls from family members criticizing him for ejecting the MIL, especially during the night. The backlash leaves OP questioning his actions and wondering how he could have reacted differently.

External Pressure

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The criticism isn’t limited to his in-laws. Even OP’s parents weigh in, suggesting he might have acted too harshly. The incident, it seems, has wide-reaching implications that extend past their immediate circle.

Reflection and Dilemma

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Internally conflicted, OP stews over the night’s events. The vivid memory of his trembling wife cements his belief that he made the right call. However, he remains torn, given the external disapproval.

The Central Question

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Balancing his protective instincts against societal expectations, OP faces a dilemma. On one side, there’s the love and protectiveness he feels for his wife; on the other, societal norms and family expectations.

Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts his story online, seeking new opinions and perspectives from the unbiased community on the internet. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “Your in-laws are toxic people. I’m proud of you for protecting your wife from their garbage. They don’t deserve a place in your family’s life.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “It sounds like your MIL only came over to control your wife and what she does during her pregnancy. If she didn’t want to get kicked out, she should have acted like, oh, I don’t know, a respectable human being.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “You were protecting your wife. That’s why they have hotels — for family who should be taken in teeny tiny bits of time.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “Even if apple juice was bad for the baby, your MIL’s reaction was abusive and disgusting. Your wife doesn’t need her in her life. Anybody that calls you out for standing up for your wife is enabling abuse.”