Dear Abby: The things my mother-in-law does at the table make me sick to my stomach

jhon

Greetings, Abby

One of my mother-in-law’s habits makes me feel nauseous. She often asks, “Can I have a taste of that?” when we go out to supper with her. She will then insert her spoon or fork into my food and take a chunk without waiting for a reaction. I try to finish the serving, but it makes me sick. I’m not sure how to handle this.

I’ve always got the impression that she dislikes me and doesn’t think I’m suitable for her son since she is quite sensitive and quickly offended. Because he doesn’t want to offend his mother, my husband has refused my requests to politely urge her to stop doing this. When I told him that it makes me feel nauseous, he inquired as to whether I had ever become ill from eating food that had come into contact with used cutlery. I had to confess that I had not. “Then where’s the harm?” he asked. I’m still quite bothered by it. How can I help? I own my food.

DEAR FOOD IS MINE:

It doesn’t matter if your mother-in-law believes you are unworthy of her cherished son. You might as well start advocating for yourself if you haven’t grown fond of her because you put up with her nastiness. Take your plate, cut her off a piece, and then give it to her the next time she requests a taste of that smile.

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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