Mother-In-Law Is Saying She Wants "Her House" Back After I Bought It From Her r/Relationships

[@lindaouellette6656]

Anyone else laugh so hard when wife said “i can’t live with mother” well therapy is looking great about now isn’t it!!!!

[@gemma6515]

Lol 😂

[@sgtwhisker26]

It’s cheaper than a divorce lawyer

[@CouncilEstateRach]

She found out..... sad bit I think this happens to a lot of parents and childrenn

[@belantww]

OP should have told his ex, “ Oh! Why? She’s just a sweet old lady who needs a lot of attention.”

[@sej04]

The wife in the first story makes me sad. I was her. I would bounce back and forth from despising my mother to be blinded by how perfect I thought she was. It's a real shame she didn't get therapy before the marriage ended. I've done a lot of apologizing to my husband since waking up and going NC with my mother and my sister. My marriage is awesome now.

[@sarasmr4278]

So glad you found your shiny spine 💜💜💜 keep up the good work

[@stillvisibletoallusers]

I've had similar issues with my mum. It was only recently I realised I love her (as my mum) but really dislike her as a person. She never interfered in my marriage but I was always quick to ask "how high?" when she told me to jump. Then I'd start resenting her for "making" me do things for her, of course, blind to the fact I made the decision to do what she said desperately trying to get her approval, which I was never going to get as the scapegoat (I didn't know this is what I was until therapy). Just ugly. That desperation is gone now though and I'm LC with her, very very LC.

[@Famous_Athlete_Hashimoto]

Unfortunately, these types of situations generally don't have a happy ending; at least not for the victim. My cousin briefly dated a girl who was similarly controlled by her father. Even though she was in her early thirties, he wouldn't let her move out on her own and she didn't see anything wrong with that. She had to have some inkling that her situation was abnormal, because she never allowed my cousin to go to her house; not even to drop her off or pick her up. She was probably worried about what her dad would think of her if he met her boyfriend. They didn't last too long because she had very bad insecurity issues and would start arguments over nothing constantly. It was really a shame because I could tell she was a sweet girl underneath all her insecurities, but she clearly had been poisoned by her dad's influence

[@jaymevosburgh3660]

​@@Famous_Athlete_HashimotoYuck! That is so unattractive to me. Here is for hoping she eventually gets away from her dad.

[@Ivy94F]

I’m so glad to read a comment from someone who’s been there. I was so angry at the wife, and I needed to hear from someone who has been trapped like her. Maybe being separated from her husband and only being with mom is the situation she needed to see things clearly.

[@DarkAngel65989]

First story: The ex-wife, is gonna regret not taking OP's adive is therapy and couple therapy and not distance her mother, I bet she stocking OP's social media if he have them or asking people they know as a way to keep tab on him

[@jennstewart3003]

She clearly already does since she is texting OP about how she can't stand it

[@DarkAngel65989]

@@jennstewart3003 I know but it a little too late for it

[@amandasunshine2]

Stalking*

[@LSHEVV]

I think you mean "stalking" since a "stocking" is a type of pantyhose

[@acgearsandarms1343]

So she can’t eat that humble pie after making it apparent she was behind her mother over her own husband? This is her reward.

[@paden1865able]

Once you have sold something, you no longer have any rights over what happens with it. Even if you regret selling it, what's done is done. Move on and be an adult about it.

[@1911odisea]

No, hire assassins and take it back - don't be a rusty goober! 🗺

[@panicplay1576]

This is why I dread selling my house (if that ever is something I'd want to do). I'd want to add a clause in the contract to get to see any redecorating because I'm so curious what someone else would do with the space 😂 (obviously not going to do that. I'm not *that* weird) This MIL is just insane

[@floraposteschild4184]

S1: I feel a little sorry for OP's tenants, but no one else. OP got his mooch wife and her crazy mother and her enabling father out of his life in one fell swoop! Enjoy your freedom OP.

[@samuelkremer441]

Me during the second story: MY HEART, THIS IS TOO SWEET! THEY DESERVE ALL THE HAPPINESS!

[@rylashadow18]

OP had no proof they'd pay a penny let alone withhold a verbal agreement. If anything once he agreed and signed the house back over without proper paperwork the ex IL's could of said the house was "Gifted" back. Best that he filed for divorce, showing proof of ownership and made sure that he got the most out of it being leech and toxic free.

[@audreym3908]

@@rylashadow18 I think you meant to comment this on story 1 somewhere else. This is about the cute story in story 2.

[@FanFicnic]

It was so sweet!!!!

[@lrock48]

The first thing you do before moving into your purchased property is to replace all the locks....

[@jlyo1991]

First one gave me shivers. That was nearly me. Ex gf was in that exact situation. She’d go from polar opposites of hating her mom to being in lockstep. I know the feeling of relief OP referenced. You don’t realize til you’re out how draining it is to be around someone like that.

[@missamanda2703]

I gave just gave my mom the house back walked away from 100,000 to save my marriage but I am the sole inherent to the home.

[@missamanda2703]

Thank God I had the money and a few rentals.

[@thebigmystery7841]

It makes me feel better that I was that girl and started recognizing how toxic my family was. I hated seeing my husband miserable. We ended up no contact and the times when I miss my family, these stories bring me back to reality.

[@ladyv5655]

I hope OP's ex can get some counseling and separate from her toxic mother before she wastes her best years under her thumb.

[@doggolovescheese1310]

That's what happens when you are controlled by a narcissist...they make you crazy 😞 Glad you got out of it

[@jessereyna6662]

Story1: It’s exactly the ending I was expecting. From the very beginning he mentioned that his wife didn’t and couldn’t see what her mother was doing. Op’s wife even convinced him to buy a house at a lose just to make MIL happy. Just put the door back knowing that MIL just wanted to be able to snoop around the house. Then hearing how FIL was around them, all I could see was OP’s future. A worn down man because he just always wanted to make MIL happy. Op’s wife wore him down to buy a house, that she wasn’t helping pay for and tried to do the same about letting her Mother snoop around the house. Nothing that OP would suggest will make any difference, his wife was going to turn out just like her mother.

[@WobblesandBean]

Story 2: Finally, something to smile about. I've really been struggling a lot lately, life has really been beating me down with one devastating event after another the past few weeks, and I'm really grateful for a feel good story, for once. OP sounds adorable and I'm so glad for her. 💜

[@nikkiwhray1598]

In the 1st story, I'm afraid the father was in on it, too. Depending on where they live, if the OP divorces, his wife would be entitled to half of the marital home / sale proceeds. So, in the Dad's scenario, her parents get their home back, their daughter back, and over $200,000.

[@katikati4]

That's what I was thinking too.. Based on the last update though, he said ex-wife and he still had the house. So maybe they had a prenup or something in place?

[@sequoyasierra5671]

@@katikati4 It's possible that OP was the only name on the house. If there was some sort of mortgage or it was bought with OP's money it may be her name wasn't on it. They probably don't have a lot of equity in the house, they didn't live there very long so he maybe he bought her out.

[@fabiancaceres1473]

@@katikati4 maybe the Ex is just cuz he isnt longer "dating" her but they are still legally marry?)

[@shells500tutubo]

They are in a country in Europe, so the same marriage laws don't apply like in the US.

[@AndyyWithAY]

OP got scammed. 450k for a house from family that's not worth that much then the weirdo MIL barging in without permission. If I spend half a million on anything I'm doing whatever I want with it, not consulting anyone especially the previous owner, especially if they're insane.

[@phantomJ67]

OP turned it into a rental property, so he is at least getting some of his money back out of it.

[@cjb2749]

Story #2 was a very nice surprise! I can't remember the last time that a post on reddit was 100% positive and drama-free! So happy for this couple!

[@audreym3908]

Not to mention both families are amazing, which is rare.

[@loudelk99]

How the heck is a front door a "memento"? First thing I would have done is change the locks. Also the house is too close to the MIL. Should have moved at least 19 hours away.

[@alexandriamorris3259]

More like 6 days away lol

[@DJCherryTempo]

That waitress story sounded so adorable. It's nice to have a story that isnt chaotic like most others from time to time.

[@AlyssMadigan]

The last story was the cutest "Meeting cute" story EVER. Literally a storybook meeting. Part Time Waitress and Semi stable guy who just moved to a new town hitting it off over a poured cup of coffee and googly eyes for each other. BEAUTIFUL.

[@kerribottriell-baxter7345]

Giggling at Dad showing the new boyfriend around the shop and the Mum and Aunt seeing him as a "hunk", LOL - I think OP is going to be just fine

[@OZARKMOON1960]

#1 - I'm sitting here laughing. OP got the final FU to MIL about this whole thing. I hope he put a bow on that stupid door - she can have her momento. Oh, and the ride in the cop car is just an added bonus! All in all, sounds like OP is living his best life, and has some passive income - hope he has insurance because we all know MIL is just plotting away and going to do something. Good for him.

[@necilya]

That last story was so sweet. The only thing missing was Mark’s girl’s voice so I could feel like it was one of my girl friends telling me the story. 😂 I hope we will have a wedding update one day. Yes, I’ve already pictured the wedding in my head. A small church and a horse. 🥰🤪😂

[@margielou6914]

I didn’t realize how much I needed the waitress story until I found myself grinning like a fool throughout the whole thing lol

[@KatMarshmallow]

That last story made me so happy hearing how they just clicked and feel like they’ve know each other forever! I feel the same way about my boyfriend. We’re a rare Tinder success story and we’ve been together almost 2 years and I feel like I’ve known him my whole life! I really hope everyone reading this gets to experience that feeling of having their best friend and love of their life be the same person!

[@CarinaCoffee]

That wholesome story at the end was so enjoyable. I'm always fascinated by relationships where people just click. Often we experience those in friendships more than romantic relationships I think, but it's nice seeing people just having a drama free time and a healthy relationship.

[@marykme]

I loved that last story! First, I'm very familiar with Northern Michigan and, if OP is where I think she is, it's a beautiful place. But what a sweet story! Here's wishing OP and her official boyfriend many years of happiness together.

[@neomacawofficial3119]

Get a divorce my friend... Get... A... DIVORCE.

[@niyablake]

He did and now the ex is like I can;t deal with my mother and I'm broke

[@neomacawofficial3119]

@@niyablake I don't feel bad for the ex, she made her bed and now she has to sleep in it.

[@niyablake]

@@neomacawofficial3119 It's karma. The ex is finally having to deal with the crazy mom. My questions are now about the father in law . He seems sane so why is her stating with the momn

[@neomacawofficial3119]

@@niyablake I'm hoping that he served her too honestly. She reminds me of an ex I'd much rather forget.

[@ireneduett950]

1st story, SELL TO A STRANGER AND MOVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY!!!

[@GMAMEC]

This, I also don’t understand how they would be “homeless”. Even if the parents bought the house, they could’ve moved.

[@janglesthearsonist5265]

Story 1: Did anyone else get a feeling that OP's wife was a gold digger or that her father was not as nice as he appeared?

[@zoe9190]

Hard to judge she was a gold digger, but in the comments on reddit, everyone pretty much agreed the FIL was in on the setup to get the house back and his daughter back under her roof. Noone believed him.

[@janglesthearsonist5265]

@@zoe9190 Just the whole thing about her hopping from job to job trying to find something she liked while OP payed for almost everything, including buying her folks house at her behest. Then when he leaves her she comes to him crying that she wanted to get back together so she would have financial independence from her parents, who presumably started paying for all her bills but with strings attached once OP separated from her. At the very least it seems like she's more interested in someone taking care of her financially than being in a true romantic relationship. OP deserves more than being treated like her and her family's personal safety net! I'm glad he realized that before having kids.

[@WobblesandBean]

Not a gold digger, but she and her mom are the same flavor of Crazy, and the whole family is absolutely AWFUL.

[@itsjustmaddisen]

I feel like FIL is nice to everyone’s face and pretends to be on different sides which means he’s not on anyone’s side. Seems a little two faced to me.

[@ajb7530]

2nd story, I really enjoyed the 2nd story. OP is awesome. I couldn't stop smiling, and I laughed at the end. Now, that is a great story. OP, you and your boyfriend deserve great happiness, and I wish you both many great years together. I know it is too soon to tell, but good luck to your future together.

[@Psmith281]

If the roles were reversed in the first story, redditors would have said OP has a husband problem and not a MIL problem. I think OP did a good thing leaving them all behind. They all deserve each other, including the FIL. staying silent and not speaking up cost his daughter her family. If he had tried to put some sense in her, it might have helped.

[@Undomaranel]

IKR? I can't stand the double standards. Like, take a step back from the sexes involved and just look at two people in a relationship. Plumbing has nothing to do with having guts or a spine!

[@bbjjbb61]

Yep. And yep again. I'm going to continue to point out these bs double standards Reddit has on every single video every creator uploads. I just heard one where the wife had completely checked out of the relationship and the OP had been trying for a damn year to get her to either take part in the relationship, go to counseling, etc. The OP clearly stated over and over he was absolutely unequivocally done with her but didn't want to be a jerk when he told her he wanted a divorce. He recognized how miserable he was after the sil came to stay with them and they hung out. He also stated several times it was platonic and they did not have any feelings for each other. The wife didn't even acknowledge the OP's bday but the sister did. Almost every comment was, "Oh that sounds like depression, oh you must've done something wrong, do not date the sister, etc" I think maybe one commenter had actually read the post and commented accordingly. I know there were probably thousands of comments but creators pick the top comments and maybe one or two "controversial" comments but that just proves my point. I am tired of how men are treated. It's practically ingrained in people now to tell men they're toxic when they behave like men but they're being childish babies when they ask for support (another story where the wife was excused for not supporting her husband after he specifically asked her to).

[@brigidtheirish]

Yeah, the double standard is so obvious in some posts. Though I agree that couple's counseling and therapy should be tried *before* divorce. If this was just boyfriend and girlfriend, sure, I'd see bailing straight away is an option, but he made a commitment when he married her.

[@UchuKejiMovan]

@@bbjjbb61 I saw that story on Markie's channel yesterday and pointed out how reddit was making every excuse possible for the wife except the obvious she was a POS

[@carolroberts4614]

She was a terrible woman, and had been to op for over a year!

[@Swnsasy]

Dude, this wife needs to go I'm sorry.. She just sounds like so much more trouble than she's worth.. FIL needs to run too! She's going to resent her mom after she sees no man is going to put up with that..

[@emmanuelolivera6526]

I wonder how he got to divorce but keep 100% equity on the house.

[@TWROC96]

Story 1: I applaud the OP for disentangling himself from his wife and her awful family. Life is too short to put up with such behavior.

[@trickstergods]

2nd story was so wholesome. a great palette cleanser after the nightmare the 1st story was.

[@TheIronwil]

Story 1: This is the only acceptable way for this story to play out. His wife didn’t have his back, and frankly was using OP for resources. When I heard he paid for every bit of the house with no contributions from his wife, I immediately thought WTF?!? Nearly half a million and she contributed 0% of it? Hell to the NO. The fact that she still took up her mother’s side after getting a free ride through life is just infuriating. Sounds like OP is completely done. Given his update, I don’t see him falling for fake reconciliation attempts. Now his STBXW is unhappy because she has to deal with her f*cking crazy mother, and can’t afford to move out on her own. How old is she? Sounds about 14-15 in maturity years.

[@OmniscientlyMe]

For men in most states, if they can afford it, it's best to purchase a home entirely without marital assets so that she can't take it or half its value in a divorce.

[@TheIronwil]

@@OmniscientlyMe I didn’t think of that. Thanks for the head’s up!

[@mysticaccy]

Love the last story! The feelings of the joy of getting to know your lover and feeling the butterflys.

[@tinygabriel9760]

I always find these stories so funny... cause you knew your partner lived up her parent's butt before you married her ... marriage doesn't change people nor does it magically transform your relationship... Wife is obviously not interested in change OP is better off without her.

[@brigidtheirish]

I know! Seriously, the divorce rate would *plummet* if people just learned to *think* before signing a marriage license.

[@EvilFurrySkull]

That last story was so precious! I was smiling the whole way through. Thank you for including these wholesome stories at the end of videos, they brighten my evenings working late at the pizza shop.

[@katuni08]

I feel extremely called out with the MIL house story. I lost my mother to cancer in 2020, so it has been hard to process the negative impact she had on me. I feel bad for my husband who I talked down to for years while she assumed he was the problem in our relationship, and she kept giving me bad advice. My husband and I bought my parents’ house, and, although my mother didn’t snoop, she did sulk every time we made changes to “her” home. I love my mother dearly, but co-dependency is no joke. It sounds terrible, but my marriage recovered exponentially after she passed away. I like to think that we would have had a healthier relationship and had the same outcome if she were still around, but I guess I’ll never know. Thank you for reading. If you find yourself in a similar situation, the book “Codependency No More” is a great read/listen. My husband was no angel in the relationship, we all could have made better choices, but it must have been so hard to live with me like that. Knowledge is the first step to recovery, right? Take care.

[@Grace_x68]

Now you need to make sure to break the cycle and don't become your mom when your kids (if you have any ) get married one day.

[@jaymevosburgh3660]

​@@Grace_x68Yeah, seriously. I hated my mom for some of her behavior when I was a little kid. But even after all that pain and hate I still ended up falling into the same damned trap she had fallen into. At least I was able to eventually get out. But I have cried just remembering when I was a preteen and yelling at my mom that I hated that she was an addict, only to become one myself for more years than I want to admit. Trying to break that cycle that we learned from being around our parents and other adults in our lives can be hard. And I never thought I would be foolish enough to be that stupid but depression can make us do idiotic things. I hope the ex from S1 ends up getting therapy.

[@nataliereeves3594]

If the wife contacts op again, he should tell her, "You chose your mother over me now, live with the consequences," that will shut her up and make her take a good look at what she did to herself.

[@OZARKMOON1960]

#2 - That was really sweet. And both families are so happy for them and with their choices. Good for them!

[@joshuapierce3085]

I know how OP felt in that second one. I had a crush on a guy in college while working at the dining hall. Sadly, I never got the chance to tell him in person how I felt, but a little Facebook stalking (the only time I've ever done that, lol) managed to net me his name and I eventually did message him that way. Sadly, even had I told him in person, based on said Facebook stalking, I'm pretty sure he was straight, so nothing would have come of it, thus the Facebook message problem saved me a lot of public humiliation. lol

[@gngrblls2thwall]

That plan from FIL sounds like some good cop bad cop stuff where he's acting like he's on your side but really they're both working towards the same goal. I suspect daughter also knew the whole plan from the very beginning. Edit: thank glob he realized it

[@novabrilliant4510]

Just getting started on some chores. Love listening while I work. Thanks so much Mark. Lots of love to you and Poppy ❤️🥰

[@MarkNarrations]

Thanks as always Nova 😀

[@lindah3803]

Last story: That is adorable. When OP mentioned his mom telling her how he talks about her all the time, it reminded me of my late MIL. She did the same with me. She was an absolute corker. Couldn't keep a secret to save her life. Would tell me about everything, past,present all of it. I completely loved that old gal. Now I miss her like crazy.

[@robinwhite4148]

I appreciate the way you and Markee go look for all updates. I listen to many of these narrations during my work all day and i actually hear the same stories a lot. I never hear them as completely as yall do thanks for that

[@enjolireyes643]

Absolutely awesome! Kept the house… have a rental income and dropped a lot of deadweight with the wife and in-laws!

[@miragedown]

That last story was amazing! Need more like that.

[@justinchristoph3725]

When you get married, your primary family is now your spouse and your children. If the parents cant see that and the spouse can't see that, you do not have a marriage and should end it.

[@rainydays166]

story 2 REDEEMED MY FAITH IN NORMALCY AND NORMAL PEOPLE!! thank you for finding this story worthy of showcasing!

[@KE-hr4sb]

S1: I seem to remember an update to this one where OP also found out FIL had no intention of actually paying him back, it was a lie to get MIL the house back.

[@sadhanamoodley99]

The final story was so wholesome!

[@jeanproctor3663]

Awww! I loved that last story so much! It's so nice to hear when people are so genuinely happy with each other and their respective families love their new partners isn't it? This was a perfect example of that. I hope they are happy always. 😁😍

[@LittleGreenCar514]

The first story: I was legit worried that the OP was my fiancé. My mother also sheltered me and hung on to me from my childhood until she died. She didn't let me have friends outside of school hours, so all school projects were either worked on at school or I did all of it. She even had my life planned out for me. She was so disappointed when I told her that the smell of formaldehyde makes me vomit. When I finally tried to pull away from her at age 19, she threatened to throw my meds away or hold them hostage. Meds that kept me from having debilitating migraines. Like curled up in a dark room, unable to withstand even the slightest of sounds. When I was 27, I became her full-time home caregiver during the last 2 months of her life (metastatic breast cancer and hospice care). It was so freeing when she finally passed. I loved my mom, but I hated how tight her control of my life was.

[@jolee3633]

I live my life following one rule, “don’t fuck with my peace”!

[@marahbaker8615]

Story 2: Its ironic I'm hearing this story today. I've had the same veterinarian for almost twelve years, and for the last 3 years, her young teenage son has had blood cancer. She told me a little over a week ago that its been so hard watching him not be able to do normal teenage things. Knowing the type of cancer he has, it struck me profoundly just how unfair cancer is. Sometimes it doesn't matter how young and healthy you are, how much or how little money you have, cancer doesnt give a fuck and will just take you no matter how hard you fight. It really puts life in perspective. Its just so unfair seeing a 15 year old boy living through something so hard, as well as see his mother who is such a good woman, suffer and feel so unable to make her boy better.

[@whims6278]

I'm laid at the beach with the biggest dorkiest smile on at that last story. It was so sweet

[@sarahjean3670]

Glad OP got out in the first story. Don’t know how I could handle such an evil MIL

[@Grace_x68]

Story 1 I hope FIL can get the courage to follow in his son-in-law's footsteps. This bloke did the right thing

[@kmechwarrior1684]

S1: Grow a fucking spine and get away from all of them. With the wife's attitude, take the 430K, keep half for you, give the other half to your wife and get divorce proceedings started. Update: Talk to a lawyer, this is sounding shady, and FIL sounds like he needs a way-up kick in the ass if he's going this far to play along with MIL's madness.... I would say take all the money, but I'm sure the soon-to-be Ex-wife's shark lawyer will try to take most of the cash... Update 2: A happy ending. LOVE that her mom is driving her nuts now! Karmic Justice! Now the ex-MIL needs some Karma too. S2: Such a nice change of pace story.

[@brigidtheirish]

1: Once again, why the *HELL* did OP marry this woman in the first place?! Did he not *notice* how thoroughly leashed she is to her mom? Did he think things would magically improve after the wedding? WHY DON'T PEOPLE *THINK* BEFORE MAKING MAJOR LIFE DECISIONS?!

[@myounakami]

It all really depends on the person. Some people are able to realize how toxic a relationship is once they have some distance from their oppressor(s) and an outside perspective on the situation; from there, they can take the steps with their spouse's help to cut the cord for good. Unfortunately for OP's situation, his ex refused to acknowledge that there was a problem, so he was forced to choose between putting up with the MIL's controlling behavior for the sake of his wife or cut his losses and distance himself from the wife to get rid of the cling-on MIL.

[@brigidtheirish]

@@myounakami Thing is, that isn't something you should find out *after* making a commitment like marriage. Find out *before.* Invite her to visit your family (preferably several hundred miles away) for a week or two. Or bring her along on an extended vacation, maybe outside of cell service. *Suggest therapy.* Find out how badly she's enmeshed *before* the commitment. Or nope right on out as soon as the enmeshment is discovered. Would not blame anyone for breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend over this.

[@myounakami]

@@brigidtheirish While toxic in-laws can absolutely be a dealbreaker for most people and I wouldn't fault someone for noping out of that kind of situation, I suppose it comes down to whether or not they think the relationship is important enough to try and help their S/O and whether they think they can set down boundaries and enforce them. There are plenty of people who get into tough situations thinking they can handle it, and I'm willing to bet OP thought he could either get his wife to see reason or at least establish boundaries that MIL would have to respect. The problem for him was that his wife wasn't willing to see reason or enforce any boundaries; OP realized the situation was too much for him to handle and made the decision to move on without her while being able to take solace in that he tried to help her gain true freedom. But yeah, things like this are the reason people shouldn't get married right away; people need at least a year or two to get a feel for the family as a whole so they can make an informed decision about what kind of dynamic they're marrying into and whether they think they can handle any bumps they discover.

[@brigidtheirish]

@@myounakami A year is a good time if spent efficiently and there aren't any obvious problems. Thing is, if there *are* problems and they stay together to figure things out, how long until one realizes the other isn't willing to work on the problems or even acknowledge that the problems *exist?* How much commitment of time, effort, and resources is worth finding out if a relationship is worth committing to?

[@myounakami]

@@brigidtheirish More often than not, there _are_ going to be problems since no one is perfect; the real question is whether the person thinks those problems are fixable, or at least manageable. Again, it really depends on the people involved; we've seen many stories in r/relationships where the S/O had a problem family/family member, but was able to come together with their spouse to create a strong and healthy relationship with clear boundaries, just as we've seen stories where the S/O refused to accept change and ruined their relationship/marriage in the process. When it comes down to it, the threshold of how much someone's willing to put up with is different for everyone and it's up to each individual to decide where they draw that line.

[@ryznak4814]

I love stories like story 2 and I would like more of these. Most of the stories tend to make me angry or sad and even when everything ends well it’s not heartwarming like story two.

[@spockezri]

that last story was so cute i just kept smiling and chuckling .... really needed that

[@SirFailsalot91]

At least after a damn crazy Mother-in-Law story that led to a split between spouses, we got a super wholesome story where OP and her crush got together, a real feel good moment.

[@stephjovi]

So cute the family telling her He's constantly talking about you he's so much in love with you 😊

[@aileencastaneda3724]

S2: I caught myself smiling and giggling the whole way. Your manager is awesome she gave you the extra push, to ask him out. Lol OP enjoy life with your bf, I’m doing the same with my husband. ❤❤❤

[@carolroberts4614]

Wasn't it sweet? I hope things are good for them still!

[@krystinreives7776]

First story: honestly I’m actually rather happy that op left his ex because for one you can’t help somebody that won’t help themselves. she doesn’t realize how truly terrible her mother is and how badly this lady wanted to keep up his wife on lockdown and anybody attached to her that would include OP. It’s rather sad to see that she still couldn’t see through her mothers just unhinged ways but at the same time it’s better than op left her on top of that kudos to the father-in-law for being able to do this and help Op out I hope he divorces that psychotic woman because of life. Also why am I not surprised that despite trying to defend her mother she can’t stand living with her but thank God hope he doesn’t have a hero complex otherwise this would just start draining him mentally.

[@Sarah-by6gp]

I love the wholesome stories at the end. They melt my heart

[@dianabialaskahansen2972]

I think I got a sugary overdose from story 2! It was so sweet and wholesome. I hope these two lovebirds will live long lives together filled with happiness.

[@flowerjpotter1629]

First story the MIL has trained her daughter to respond to her every drama. It's an awful position to be in as the daughter can't help but be blinded because of being trained from birth by this lunatic.

[@logirl1975]

Story 1: You can bet that FIL would have backed out of paying the extra money behind the MIL's back. When the time came he would have been "but I don't know what you're talking about". The steps OP took, in the end, were the wisest ones. I hope his (ex)wife gets herself sorted out sooner rather than later.

[@wellwouldntyouliketoknow4137]

Ugh that last one made a tear jerk.

[@nilianstroy]

Story 1... I would have gotten a lawyer and demand contact only through them...

[@susanhaywood6367]

If said door is so precious give her the door and she can install it in her own home.................she already has the key!

[@browniewin4121]

1) Wow, should have changed the lock as soon as you moved in. Good idea to set up cameras. Marriage counseling is a must and wife needs some individual. therapy immediately. Tell wife absolutely not about giving into crazy mother/MIL. After update: So sad that you wife can not recognize the problem. Additional update: Glad your wife is now an X, delighted that MIL was arrested, and that you are doing well and are happy. 2) If you know he is new to town, some time tell him when your day off is and suggest you would be glad to show him around the nice sites in town. After update: Happy for you OP and that things have moved in a positive direction. After final update: So happy for you both.

[@tictactoe325]

OP1’s wife doesn’t realise that she’s probably been subjected to an abusive narcissistic MIL.

[@astronautviolet153]

Story 1 Op would be better off divorcing her and moving away and living his best life.

[@loganjoh1]

Story 1: don’t get married to someone who can’t draw clear boundaries with their parents. The wife refused to go to therapy or couples counseling and was probably surprised her husband left her for it. She was clearly in too deep to be in an adult relationship and fortunately OP realized that before having kids with her. Hopefully one day she will realize the error of her ways and actually gets the help she needs.

[@TheRealVenna]

The server with the crush on her regular customer should write a small note on his check, offering to show him the sights and give her number. If that is a thing that is possible, anyway. He's new to the area, it is innocent enough, and no pressure either way.

[@murielross9288]

Old door new lock. She wanted you to buy the old house but still be in control?

[@American_Liberty]

Last story! So wholesome! I loved OP, and I wish her well with her hunk BF. ❤

[@rosalindalaboy7111]

Story 2 is sugar sweet, excellent pallet cleanser

[@Ecclectic_citcelccE]

Yes nice to have these occasionally❤

[@RadioOppy1]

20:24 this part made me think of the grandma from Mulan lol

[@justozzy5559]

I definitely needed that second story after the mess that was the first one..... So wholesome

[@kyleecook6671]

A door being a 'precious momento'? Oookay, maybe MAYBE if it had family hand prints on it from when wifey was little....but generally that's a bedroom door. Not the front.

[@justheretowatchtheworldbur6611]

I can't ignore how much I relate to the wife from the first story. I've never been one to be stuck even the tiniest bit up my mother's backside, but I did struggle to break away from our toxic, obviously codependent relationship until it nearly cost me everything. She would tell me I was her best friend then turn around and start blaming me for every mistake she's made since her husband died. She will tell anyone that will listen about the way I ruined her life and never treated her the way she deserves to be treated. At least the way SHE feels she should be treated. She is utterly incapable of deciphering the truth from her own made-up world of lies. She never apologizes. She's never wrong and she has no need for culpability or personal awareness. She is delusional. I believe OP was dealing with a similar specimen. His poor wife is screwed unless she finds a way to pull herself out of her mother's sphere of influence. I speak from personal experience when I say it's doable, but it takes a few tries and it helps to make an escape plan. Mother or not this is her primary abuser. She's a mess that can't tell healthy relationships from completely fu©ked ones. It will take years of therapy and hard work to even get to a place where she can begin to be honest with herself about who and what her mother truly is. I wish both OP and his ex wife the best life has to offer and hope they both move on to bigger and better things. As well as better people.

[@alyzu4755]

Story 2: Yay! OP's manager is a star. 🥰

[@TheMimiSard]

Story 1 - I am glad he got out, and got away pretty clean (without being caught by too many shackles). I feel sorry for the ex, she is letting her mother hold her captive.

[@maddyc2412]

Aw it was nice to hear a cute story after so many stressful ones. So happy for that woman ❤

[@Kelseyzj]

Story 2! It’s like a movie! So sweet! I love when you add in a feel good story .❤️ I’m literally smiling and cheering in my head. Lol. Loser, I know.

[@terriblejustawful2825]

That first one.. they need to do a full sweep of the house. MIL could have installed cameras.

[@rwilliams8736]

1st story If I was in his position with the house, I would have been like 'you want me to buy your old house, sign a postnup😇. I'm happy he's gotten out. 2nd story This story is so 🥰🥰🥰🥰. Wholesome 😘💫❤️🥰💃🏼💃🏽🦚🤩😂💯⛰️🥾

[@junecleaver4099]

That last story was just so sweet, it made my heart happy❤

[@krisg4815162342]

nice. 1st OP played it like a true king.

[@darrylblanch8463]

1st story. Wow, glad the dude got out & free.

[@NightingaleFilms100]

Love having you post just when I start my commute. Vancouver BC

[@Tammohawk1]

1. As someone whose parents are/were dysfunctional who married someone whos parents were similar, it's difficult to break away due to love. Those heart strings tug hard on you, trust me. Even when your parent is acting outrageously, it's difficult to stand up to them because they are your parent. But I would have never caved in to my parents and forsake my husband. And when it came to my kids, never had difficulty standing up then. 2. I have the answer for this one as I found myself in a similar situation many years ago. I ended up giving the guy my phone number, with my and my roommates names telling him if he ever wanted to get together to "party" to call me. He called the next day and we went out. Stayed together for 37 years until he passed away. I had never done anything like that before.

[@tamiracross312]

So… the dating story, I had to text my aunt to see if it was about my cousin 🤣. It sounds like how he met his girlfriend. And when talking about his big family and his parents….. yep. Can’t believe I heard his story here. Lol.

[@sierralovat5498]

First one is sad. S3cond one is so wholesome

[@SherriLyle80s]

The last story was so adorable!

[@louellacharlton4425]

Tyvm Mark. Stay safe please, peace.

[@BraveryWing26]

"Kicked my wife out, back at her mother's" SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET VICTORY YEAH!