Conflicts with in-laws are hardly a new issue. In fact, three out of four married couples report experiencing significant disagreements with their in-laws. However, this particular mother-in-law (MIL), sister-in-law (SIL), and father-in-law (FIL) might just take the prize for “The Worst In-Laws of All Time.”
The trouble began when they referred to their daughter-in-law (DIL) as their son’s “best friend” instead of recognizing her as his wife. For a while, the couple couldn’t understand why they would use such a dismissive term—until a shocking conversation between the husband and his father revealed the truth. Devastated and struggling to process this betrayal, the wife turned to the internet for advice on how to handle the situation.
A desperate woman took to Reddit.
A 26-year-old woman shared her perplexing story, which left many readers puzzled and concerned. Using the username faxxed, she sought advice on her complicated relationship with her in-laws. Later, she provided an update that led many to question her family members’ sanity and sympathize with her plight.
The woman began her story by saying, “My husband Robbie and I got married earlier this year. Two months after our wedding, we celebrated my birthday at my in-laws’ house. While we were all sitting in the living room, my SIL received a phone call. To my shock, she told her friend it was her ‘brother’s best friend’s birthday.’”
This struck the OP as strange, especially after the love and support they had received from both families during their wedding. She wrote, “I had never heard anyone refer to me as Robbie’s best friend. I am his wife, and we were engaged for over two years before that. Hearing my SIL refer to me this way confused me greatly. I always call her my SIL, and I expected her to do the same—or at least refer to me as Robbie’s wife, not his best friend.”
The OP confronted her SIL, but didn’t get any clarity.
The woman explained, “After my SIL hung up, I asked her why she referred to me that way. She didn’t seem embarrassed at all. She simply said, ‘Well, you are best friends! And that’s what mom and dad call you,’ referring to the MIL and FIL.”
The OP was taken aback by this response. Although she and her SIL weren’t particularly close, they had always treated each other with kindness and respect. The woman noted that they had never had any disagreements, but they also didn’t spend time together outside family gatherings due to their differing personalities. She was sure her SIL had never given her any reason to feel upset or annoyed with her.
She continued, “I decided to let it go that night, even though it weirded me out. But then it happened again a few days ago, which is why I’m writing this post.”
The strange relationship even affected the OP’s work life.
The OP confessed that this wasn’t the only instance of her in-laws calling her the odd “best friend” name. She shared, “My MIL and I both work in the same industry, doing similar jobs at different companies nearby. Sometimes our companies collaborate when clients switch over.”
“This week, I had to visit my MIL’s office to help a client transition. While I was there, she introduced me to her colleague, and once again, I was perplexed by how she did it. She said, ‘This is my son’s best friend!’ As I shook hands with the colleague, I paused and awkwardly said, ‘I’m his wife…’ The colleague looked confused, but my MIL just smiled and didn’t address it.”
Once they were alone, the OP asked her mother-in-law why she referred to her that way. Just like her sister-in-law, her husband’s mom didn’t think it was odd at all. She simply concluded that OP and her husband were best friends, and there was nothing scandalous about it.
The OP had many thoughts about the reasons behind this strange behavior.
The woman shared, “The only explanation I can think of is that in my vows to Robbie, I promised to continue being his best friend. Nobody acted like this was odd or special, and I feel like it’s a pretty common thing to include in vows. I’m not sure why Robbie’s family seems to have latched onto it, unless it has nothing to do with it. I’ve spoken to Robbie about this, and he is just as perplexed. He asked his parents privately about it, and they gave him the same answer they’ve been giving me.”
“It all feels like some sort of mocking behavior to me, but I’ve never sensed this from them before. Are they calling me his best friend because they don’t like that I’m his wife?
What do you think about this? For more Comics, News, Stories, and Fun, visit The Far Side Comic Do you support their decision or do you have any reservations? Tell us in the space below the comments!
Leave a comment