Dana, the mother-in-law, has disliked the daughter-in-law since introduction and expects to control others. At Thanksgiving Dana demanded an extended stay and reacted angrily when refused. At Christmas multiple relatives reported that Dana spread a rumor that the daughter-in-law used to perform in adult films. The daughter-in-law confronted Dana by phone; Dana denied the claim, then insulted and hung up when confronted with texts. The daughter-in-law is considering a defamation suit; her husband opposes legal action and favors a prolonged separation. Advice recommends against legal escalation and suggests emotional distancing and firm boundaries.
"More than half a dozen family members pulled me aside to discreetly inform me that Dana was going around telling everyone that she had discovered that I used to be in adult films! Furious as I was, there were a number of children present, so I waited to confront Dana over the phone the next day. She lied and claimed I was making things up."
"When I pointed out that I had seen the texts she had sent to various relatives, she cussed me out and hung up. I am contemplating suing her for defamation. My husband is staunchly against it, saying that what is needed is a lengthy time-out, not legal action. Easy for him to say-he's not the one who had his reputation smeared! Please tell me I'm within my rights to take my terrible MIL to the cleaners for this if possible."
Read at Slate Magazine
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